Kirkcaldy’s nightspots have learned how to prepare for potential terrorist attacks.
It comes hot on the heels of the potential erection of concrete bollards at the Links Market entrance to prevent a Berlin-style terror attack.
Although there is no specific threat to Fife’s communities, officers from Fife Preventions’ team worked in partnership with business leaders from Kirkcaldy 4 All as part of Operation Argus to plan the awareness-raising event to help business leaders.
Project Argus, forming a part of the national counter terrorism strategy, has four strands — protect, prepare, prevent and pursue.
The businesses of the night time economy in Kirkcaldy were all keen to be best prepared to help their communities tackle such threats.
The event highlighted the need for businesses, no matter their size, to ensure they have adequate plans in place to respond to and recover from any large scale disruption and the impact on business resilience that any emergency could potentially have.
Thanking Police Scotland, Bill Harvey of Kirkcaldy 4 All said: “The advice given dealt with counter-terrorism as well as how the night-time economy can be prepared and have the necessary plans in place to cope during other major incidents.
“I’m sure that those who attended would have benefitted from the day.”
PC Gary Kenhard of Fife Police Preventions’ team added that Argus offered businesses an opportunity to comprehend the threat faced and consider ways to help prevent, handle and recover from a terrorist attack.
“The comments from those in attendance showed they found it a valuable learning experience and they learned how to effectively protect their business and our communities in the face of the terrorist threat.”
Inspector Jane Combe, head of Fife Police Prevention team said: “Although there is no specific threat to the communities of Fife, Argus provides on opportunity to raise awareness and learn together so we can be prepared for any eventuality.
“Unfortunately these threats are real and our communities play a key role to play in helping prevent them.
“The night time businesses in Kirkcaldy are playing their part in effectively combating this threat.”
Support and advice is available to help businesses, both from Police Scotland Counter Terrorism Security Advisors and associated partners.
More information is available by calling 101.
