It appears that the group smashed their way through a fence to gain access to the green space.
Outraged locals have accused the group of travellers of breaking through the perimeter fence of the site, which sits at a junction of the M8 and M9 motorways, near Edinburgh Airport, to gain access. More than a dozen caravans are now parked on the site
They have now demanded the council act and evict the travellers, while the council say they sent officers to the site on Wednesday to “assess the situation”.
The site, which is of significant historical interest as an ancient burial cairn, has been the frequent target of travellers in the past, with locals warning of traveller vandalism last year.
The travelling community now occupying Huly Hill have been accused of destroying part of the site’s perimeter fence
The main feature of the site is a the main feature is a 30 metre diameter earthen burial mound, surrounded by a modern retaining wall. Around the mound are three standing stones.
Action was eventually taken by the Newbridge and Ratho Station Community Association, who, together with local businesses, placed concrete blocks at key points to prevent entry.
The group of travellers appear to have forced entry anyway, however, through a weak point in the fence.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Newbridge and Ratho Station Community Association said: “Huly Hill is a site of significant archaeological importance, featuring a cairn and stone circle that date back to approximately 2500 BC.
“The site was famously excavated in 1830, a process that uncovered various items of historical interest and solidified its status as a piece of Scotland’s ancient heritage.
“Despite its protected status, the area has become a frequent target for unauthorised camps. Local residents remain haunted by the events of last year, when a large group of travellers occupied the land for an extended period.
“That occupation left the community to deal with a massive clean-up operation involving mounds of rubbish, discarded appliances such as fridges, and human faeces.
“Last year, Edinburgh Council blocked plans to properly secure the site, forcing the Newbridge and Ratho Station Community Association to find other solutions.
“Following previous incursions, the association reached out to local businesses for support.
“A nearby concrete company stepped in to donate heavy-duty concrete barriers, which were installed to block the majority of the site.”
There are now around a dozen caravans on the site
The spokesperson went on to say that the portion of the fence now destroyed was highlighted to the council as a weak spot, but this warning was ignored.
They are now saying that the traveller group identified the weakness and destroyed the section of fence to gain access to the site.
Locals have now once again petitioned the council to secure the site and evict the travellers.
“The community went to great lengths to secure this site because we knew the risks,” one local, who wished to remain nameless, noted.
“To see that effort undermined is heartbreaking for everyone who cares about our local history and remembers how much environmental damage the last travelling community caused.”
Locals have also reported feeling threatened when attempting to access the heritage site, and there is a growing sense of anger against the “inaction” of Police Scotland and the council.
Traveller communities have protected status in Scotland, and local authorities must negotiate systems of bureaucratic red tape before an eviction notice can be issued by the courts.
An entire portion of the fence has been smashed through
The council say they will assess the situation today, and a series of visits to the site are understood to be planned.
Early on Wednesday, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Tim Pogson, said: “I completely understand and share concerns that residents have raised. Officers will be visiting the site today to assess the situation and determine what immediate steps can be taken.
“Last year, officers met with representatives from the local community, HES and Police Scotland to explore longer-term measures to secure the site, alongside interim arrangements.
“As much of the land is owned by the Scottish Government, we will continue to work with them and partners to support progress towards longer-term solutions.”
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