So-called safe access zones are now in place at 30 health facilities across the country under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act.

The legislation bans any protests or vigils within 200-metres of clinics with people doing no more than praying and and carrying protest banners charged with breaking the law and facing the possibility of being fined up to £10,000 under summary court procedure, or an unlimited fines under solemn procedure.

Solemn procedure takes place in the highest courts where the the heaviest penalties by judges.

Police went to the grounds of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow – the hospital serves West Dunbartonshire – around 12.20pm on Tuesday after being made aware of a small group of protestors.

Green MSP Gillian Mackay described the introduction of legislation as “a crucial day for reproductive rights and healthcare in Scotland”.

She added: “I hope that it will be the end of the intimidation and harassment we have seen of people who are accessing healthcare.”

One Pro Life campaigner said despondently: “How’s the crime war going then? The police appear to have not much to do with their time and the politicians who voted for this legislation to go through parliament should think black, burning shame of themselves for voting to halt what were peaceful and perfectly legitimate protests at which people said their prayers that expectant mothers contemplating abortion would keep their babies.

“This legislation is anti-democratic. It flies in the face of our long-held tradition of Freedom of Speech and the Right to Protest peacefully.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 12.20pm on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, we were made aware of a small group of protestors within the grounds of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow.

“Officers attended, advice was given and the group left.”

Their guidance added that they would take “every step to avoid enforcement and ultimately arrest” by working with those breaching the legislation.