Edinburgh Bomb Threat

Take care. Do.

I second that.

Well, it's almost certainly nothing 'real' and not attached to this morning's tragic events. More likely it's some anti-globalisation/capitalism/G8 idiots causing trouble.

Still, very disconcerting to have these things brought so close. I'm angry, and sad, and angry. Home now, though, after a wide detour around that part of the city.

From the BBC News site:

"Bomb scare closes Princes Street

Part of Princes Street in Edinburgh has been closed following reports of a suspect package on a bus.

Lothian and Borders Police received the call at about 1730 BST.

An area between the Mound and Charlotte Square has been cordoned off and all surrounding properties have been evacuated.

The package is on board a Lothian Transport bus. A police spokesman said a bomb disposal team is at the scene to assess the situation."

We'll probably see a few more scares like this.

It is very frustrating. And so pointless.

Aw crap. No news stories about this on the radio coming home from work, so I didn't think it could be that serious. At least it sounds like they know where it is.

Really angry.

It could just be a lost bag...

People are bound to be on the look out.

Anyway, a link, as they're still updating the news story.

I'm checking it, but no update since 18:54. I just ran through to the TV when I heard it mention an "explosion in Edinburgh", but that was my ears going wrong - still no word except that a bomb disposal team is going in.

So much for my comment to a work mate earlier to the effect that no-one would want to bomb Edinburgh as its too pretty...hopefully folks is just getting jumpy...

Two controlled explosions! That news page has been updated with pretty much just that info.

I wonder how long it'll take to determine what was in the packages.

Ugh.

Please be careful. neel. I expect there's going to be scares everywhere for the next few days.

There's still talk that the bus bomb involved suicide bombers.

Thanks, elf. I'd imagine the forensic boys wouldn't have anything concrete for a while, but they might be able to tell us whether the 'package' was a bomb or a bag reasonably early, just from the explosion.

I'm not amused.

I dont blame you. I'm not either and Im 3000 miles away.

This is all too reminiscent of 3 years ago.

There's nothing even vaguely amusing in any of this.

Thankfully:

"Two controlled explosions were carried out on the bus and one on the package found on the street. Neither contained explosives. The area has been reopened.

A police spokesman said they treated the incidents seriously in light of the events in London this morning. "

"In a separate incident bomb disposal officers were called to a McDonald's restaurant in Kirkcaldy to investigate a suspicious package.

Police cordoned off the area and evacuated adjoining properties. The item was then removed and identified as a discarded ladies handbag. "