Passengers arriving at Inverness Railway Station yesterday were greeted by the sight of police on the platform as officers were drafted in to highlight increased vigilance against terrorists.
But members of the British Transport Police taking part in a counter terrorism campaign just stood and watched as hundreds of people streamed off the carriages.
Passengers getting off the train from Aberdeen – and others waiting to get on with their journeys – seemed were more concerned by the number of press cameras in evidence on the platform than any threat of terrorism in the Highlands.
The low-key event did not even include any sniffer dogs and officers had reportedly run out of leaflets to hand out to the public about National Anti Terrorism Awareness Week.
Officers did speak to some members of the public in the station yesterday, as well as a number of Inverness College students passing through at lunchtime.
As well as the station, the Eastgate Shopping Centre will be targeted by those taking part in the campaign.
Inspector Mike Middlehurst, Police Scotland’s acting area commander for Inverness, said that the campaign aimed to encourage people to be alert for any signs of suspicious behaviour.
He said: “International terrorism can reach into many places, even remote areas. We are raising awareness that if you see things that don’t seem right, report them to us.
“It might be nothing but they might be part of a bigger jigsaw.”
He added: “We are not trying to scare people but rather enhance their safety through knowledge.”
One passenger, John Sullivan, 67, of Elgin, said: “The Glasgow Airport experience brought it home to me that such things can happen here. It’s not at the top of my agenda but it’s something we need to be aware of.”
The awareness campaign runs until Friday.
