Man arrested after bomb squad sent to Queen Elizabeth's official Scottish residence in Edinburgh

Officers called to Holyroodhouse to make suspicious item safe

Police were called to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Getty Images 

A man was arrested in Scotland after a bomb disposal squad was sent to Queen Elizabeth II's official residence in Edinburgh.

Officers were told of a suspicious item in the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in the Scottish capital on Tuesday night.

A bomb disposal squad was sent to the palace at about 9pm to make the item safe.

A Police Scotland spokesman said a 39-year-old man was arrested.

"There was no threat to the public and enquiries are ongoing into the full circumstances," he said.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile and is used by the queen on official visits to the city.

The Royal Collection Trust says the residence has a long association with some of Scotland's most well known historical figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The queen, 94, has been staying at Windsor Castle, west of London, for most of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, is also with the queen after he was discharged from hospital after 28 days while he was treated for an unspecified infection and a heart condition.

On Tuesday, the monarch sent a bouquet of flowers to St Bartholomew’s Hospital, where Prince Philip had heart surgery, in remembrance of those killed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As we look forward to a brighter future together, today we pause to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many people and families, and pay tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year," the queen's message read.