A section of Portobello Beach was cordoned off on Tuesday morning after a potentially suspicious item was discovered near the junction of Kings Road and Kings Place at around 9:50 AM.

Police Scotland responded swiftly, securing the area and urging the public to stay away while investigations continue. Officers remain on the scene, with the exact nature of the item yet to be confirmed.

“A cordon is in place as a precaution while enquiries are carried out,” a spokesperson for Police Scotland said.

Local Disruption

The incident disrupted the morning calm at Portobello, a much-loved coastal suburb of Edinburgh famous for its two-mile sandy beach and family-friendly promenade. The area is typically a bustling hub, hosting events like the Big Beach Busk and summer volleyball tournaments.

This latest scare follows a similar incident in 2021, when a suspected unexploded device was discovered on the beach. That item was later found to be non-threatening, but the response demonstrated a proactive safety approach by police and emergency services.

Community Safety Concerns

The discovery comes amid rising concern over public safety in Portobello, following a series of violent incidents in recent weeks. Just three days ago, three teenagers were hospitalised after a stabbing on the beach. On 7 April, a teenage girl was attacked by a group of youths, and in March, a 16-year-old was injured in an assault nearby.

These troubling events have spurred calls from residents for increased police presence and better infrastructure, such as public toilets and improved lighting, especially during school holidays when visitor numbers surge.

Community Reaction

Locals took to X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to express concern and seek updates.

“Police cordon at Portobello Beach again? What’s going on?” one user posted.
Another added: “Hope everyone’s safe. This is really worrying.”

The City of Edinburgh Council installed numbered markers along the beach in 2021 to help emergency services respond more efficiently. These may have again played a role in today’s swift response.

What’s Next?

For now, residents are being asked to remain indoors and avoid the beach area. Updates are expected once the item has been assessed by relevant authorities.

Police have confirmed they are reviewing the item and continue to treat the matter seriously. Anyone with information or concerns is encouraged to contact Police Scotland via 101.