SECURITY chiefs have installed 6ft steel barrier in Edinburgh amid concerns Just Stop Oil fanatics will try to wreck today’s special Coronation celebrations.
A source said of the move to guard the King’s route to St Giles’ Cathedral: “There are real fears of a stunt.”
Activists have been warned not to cause mayhem at the King’s crown jewels ceremony.
It was feared last night that the eco protesters could be planning to target the celebration of Charles’ coronation in the latest of their high-profile publicity stunts.
Insiders told how authorities were on alert for a disruptive demo — after 6ft-high security barriers were erected along the route the monarch will take to the capital’s St Giles’ Cathedral.
A source said: “There are real worries Just Stop Oil could try to pull something off while everyone is looking at Edinburgh.
“But the fanatics would be well advised not to try to ruin the King’s big day.
“Information about their plans must be fairly new because the latest precautions were not part of the original plan.
“Contractors only arrived this week with lorryloads of the high metal fencing.
“Members of the public will be kept far away from the procession as there is a 6ft gap between the new barriers and the smaller ones we normally see at these events.”
The source added: “This is the first time this type of fencing has been used on the Royal Mile.
“It wasn’t in place even when the Queen lay in state at the cathedral last September.”
And Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, called on activists to keep any protests “peaceful”.
He said: “The eyes of the world will be upon us again as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla.
“For those who wish to view the Royal and People’s Processions, we’re urging them to plan ahead.
“We are, of course, aware of planned protests.
“As a democratic city and country, it’s right that people have the right to make their views known.
“Detailed plans are in place to ensure the safe delivery of the event, including dedicated areas for protest along the route.
“I hope these pass off peacefully and that we’re able to reflect on another proud and successful day for Edinburgh.”
Tory shadow justice secretary Russell Findlay said: “With our capital in the spotlight, it would be galling if Just Stop Oil protesters are plotting disruption.
“But I expect Police Scotland will be more than capable of dealing with them — even if that incurs an unfortunate additional cost for taxpayers.”
Yesterday, teams of specialist search officers were seen going into St Giles’ wearing harnesses and carrying ropes.
Thousands will line the Royal Mile as the day’s events kick off with a People’s Procession from Edinburgh Castle at 1.15pm.
Charles and Camilla will then travel the short distance from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the cathedral, where the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication is due to start at 2.15pm.
During the event, the King will be formally presented with the Honours of Scotland. He’ll receive a crown, sceptre and sword.
But instead of the 16th-century weapon used previously, he will be handed a newly forged blade named The Elizabeth Sword in honour of his late mother.
It was created at a cost of £22,000 because the original one was too fragile to handle.
At the same time anti-Royals campaigners will hold a protest rally at Holyrood — attended by Greens co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater.
We told yesterday how the two Scottish Government ministers will back the gathering organised by the Our Republic group, which calls for an end to the monarchy and for the head of state to be elected. They will meet outside the Parly building at 1pm.
A post on their website has encouraged supporters to bring placards and flags and to join a protest “targeting the route of the procession to St Giles’ Cathedral”.
But Mr Harvie was described by Tory MSP Donald Cameron as “infantile” and “attention-seeking”.
Another group, called Republic, will be protesting at the cathedral.
Just Stop Oil carried out its first Scots protest in May when around 20 activists blockaded an oil terminal in Clydebank, near Glasgow. Their supporters have been arrested more than 1,200 times since the start of April.
Demos have also disrupted the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, the Ashes cricket and the Grand National at Aintree.
Last night it was confirmed that cops in Edinburgh have been speaking with protest organisers.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “Our approach will be to ensure we deliver a safe and secure event that balances the safety of those attending with the rights of peaceful protesters who want to make their voices heard.”