Edi Uni FemSoc has organised a march against clubs in response to numerous spiking claims

The Edinburgh Uni Feminist Society has organised a protest against Edinburgh nightclubs after numerous reports of spiking have emerged.

The protest asks that nightclubs in Edinburgh take more responsibility over the spiking incidents, as well as asking the Scottish Government to do more in terms of conviction rates.

The march will be held next Saturday 30th October at 5:30pm, and will start in Bristo Square, heading through Cowgate where many of Edinburgh’s most popular clubs are located, and then finally ending up at the Scottish Parliament.

Announcing the event on Instagram, @uoefemsoc wrote: “Spiking has become an epidemic in Edinburgh. A boycott is important as we want clubs to feel our absence, but we need to actively protest to demand action too.

“Clubs and bars are unsafe places, and people of all genders – but especially women – are in fear of being sexually assaulted, raped or contracting an STI. This is unacceptable and we will not stand for it.

“We will assemble in Bristo Square at 5:30pm and begin marching at 6pm along Cowgate, where many incidents of spiking, including by injection, have taken place over the last few weeks in Edinburgh. We will finish at the Scottish Parliament, as while venues have to take more accountability, conviction rates for spiking remain extremely low.

“This protest is being organised with the full cooperation of Police Scotland, Edinburgh Council and Scottish Fire and Rescue services.”

Speaking about the protest, Edi Uni FemSoc told The Edinburgh Tab: “We are organising this protest because we feel it is important as feminists to make our voices heard and demonstrate our deep concern about spiking.

“Cowgate has become synonymous with incidents of spiking over the past few weeks and it is now not unusual to know someone who has been subjected to this violation.

“We are starting at the University, making our way through Cowgate, and ending up outside Scottish Parliament, as these are three key institutions in the city that need to work together to tackle sexual assault and make women and people of marginalised genders feel safe.

“Clubs have begun to make some surface level changes such as putting handmade posters up and offering cup lids, but these only go so far in addressing the issue, and can’t prevent spiking by injecting which is becoming increasingly prevalent.

“We have heard reports of the lack of compassion in bouncers’ behaviour, and even bartenders perpetrating spiking. This is absolutely unacceptable and we’ve seen no evidence of venues wishing to review their staff and implement training.

“We will be marching for anyone who has been a victim of spiking, and against the systemic misogyny that causes such violent crimes.”

Recommended related articles by this writer:

• Edi_Anonymous survey shows the top places people claim to have been spiked in Edi

• Yes, spiking is a problem, but giving more power to bouncers is not the answer

• We asked Edinburgh clubs what their spiking policies and procedures are