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The Mansion House is rented through AirBnB
Police launched an investigation after more than 300 people were discovered at a party at a house in Midlothian.
Officers were called to The Mansion House of Kirkhill in Gorebridge at 12:20 a.m. Sunday.
They said the party was being held as a commercial event at the property, which rents for roughly £ 1,600 a night on Airbnb.
A 29-year-old man was dispersed and a fixed sentence was imposed.
Organizers have been criticized for showing “blatant disregard” for laws limiting the spread of the coronavirus.
Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the incident as “completely irresponsible” and urged people not to attend house parties.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the property owners said the man who made the reservation for the entire weekend “seemed very nice.”
“Then sadly our old neighbors contacted the owners at 1.30am on Sunday to tell them there was a big rave and the police were present,” he added.
“We are seeking legal action against the organizers of this event and we are devastated as a family that our trust has been broken.”
The statement added: “After all, it is our family’s home and we did not feel safe being there after so many people had been.”
Police are now investigating charges of reckless and guilty conduct against the people behind the match.
Indoor gatherings are limited to no more than eight people from three households and the police can issue £ 60 fines for gatherings of more than 15 people.
Repeat offenders can be fined up to a maximum of £ 960.
Deputy Chief of Police Malcolm Graham said: “Attendees at this staged event displayed blatant disregard for regulations in place to help save lives and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“Anyone attempting to stage such an event, or any party clearly breaking the law, should know that they will receive a strong response from the Scottish Police.”
There are still discarded bottles scattered on the floor of the house
The 12-bedroom Mansion House of Kirkhill can be rented for a minimum of two nights and can accommodate up to 34 guests, according to its AirBnB page.
However, he says that he is currently unable to operate at full capacity due to social distancing rules.
Councilman Stephen Curran, Chairman of the Midlothian Police Fire and Rescue Board, said: “Those roughly 300 people not only put themselves at risk of contracting coronavirus, they put residents of Midlothian and beyond at risk.
“We realize it can be challenging to follow the lead, but if most of us can do it, so can they.”
‘Prevent the spread’
The Midlothian party was one of roughly 300 reported to police across the country last weekend.
Officers issued six fixed penalties.
Five were issued after officers attended reports of a party in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, around 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug.30, 2020.
Two men were also arrested in connection with a fight on the property.
Alison McCallum, NHS Lothian public health director, said: “We must continue to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, so it is critical that we do not socialize in the same way that we did in pre-Covid times.
“That means we should meet with no more than eight people from a maximum of three households at a time indoors and no more than 15 people from a maximum of five households at a time outdoors.
“This is also the reason why nightclubs are currently closed and larger gatherings such as house parties are not allowed.”
