Screenwriter Paul Laverty charged under terror act after protest in Edinburgh

Screenwriter Paul Laverty has been charged with “supporting a proscribed organisation” following a protest outside an Edinburgh police station.

The 68-year-old is a long-time collaborator of Ken Loach and wrote films including I, Daniel Blake, Sweet Sixteen and The Wind That Shakes the Barley.

Police arrested and charged Laverty under the Terrorism Act 2000 on Monday, following a demonstration near St Leonards police station

He was released on an undertaking and is due to appear in court at a later date.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Following a protest outside St Leonards Police Station on Monday, August 25, 2025, a 68-year-old man has been arrested and charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 for showing support for a proscribed organisation.

“He has been released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”