A 53-year-old man was stopped and interrogated under the Terrorism Act at Edinburgh Airport on Friday, July 10, 2026. Police Scotland confirmed that the man was detained using powers under Schedule Seven of the Terrorism Act 2000 at Scotland's busiest airport.
Details of the Stop
The man was questioned by officers, and his digital devices were seized for further examination. According to a Police Scotland spokesperson, no arrests have been made, and the man has not been charged. The spokesperson said: "On Friday July 10, a 53-year-old man was stopped using powers under Schedule Seven of the Terrorism Act 2000 at Edinburgh Airport. He was interviewed and digital devices were seized for further examination. Inquiries are ongoing."
Schedule 7 Powers
Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 grants police, immigration, and customs officers the authority to stop, question, search, and detain individuals at UK ports, airports, and international railway stations. The purpose is to determine whether an individual has been involved in the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism. Notably, officers do not need reasonable grounds to suspect an individual of a crime to stop and question them under this schedule, but the power must not be used arbitrarily.
Ongoing Investigation
The incident occurred as Edinburgh Airport handles millions of passengers annually. Police have not disclosed further details about the man's identity or the nature of the questioning. The investigation remains active, with digital devices being analysed as part of the inquiry.
