Scottish Government in U-turn over Travellers by-law in Aberdeen - Aberdeenshire

From STV

Aberdeen City Council have been told by the Scottish Government that they are now considering introducing a by-law to criminalise unauthorised camping by Travellers.

The issue has become increasingly contentious in Aberdeen in recent months with Travellers illegally settling on public land throughout the city and the cost of clearing up after they have moved on has already cost the local authority £100,000.

City councillor Willie Young has been one of the most vocal advocates of drawing up a new by-law, but his stance had been criticised by political opponents.

SNP councillor, Callum McCaig, told STV News in April: "The chances of Aberdeen City Council successfully implementing a by-law on this issue are incredibly small.

"Travellers are a minority, protected by a combination of EU, UK and Scottish legislation. This will make drafting a by-law that will criminalise them virtually impossible."

However, council leader Barney Crockett has now received a letter from Shona Robison, the Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, saying: "We will consider carefully any by-law that is considered and sent to the Scottish Government for confirmation."

Cllr Young said: "This is a U-turn, pure and simple, because the Government have come to realise that the current legislation for dealing with Travellers just doesn't work.

"People in Aberdeen are sick of this problem recurring time and time again, and the courts must be sick of the council constantly having to apply for court orders.

"They offered us absolutely no support when we came up with this plan. But now, they appear to have recognised it is a matter which must be tackled. I wonder why?"

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "Ministers would consider any approach from the [Aberdeen] council for confirmation of by-laws in accordance with the legislation, including any objections to them which are made."