Concerns have been raised by politicians in the Clermiston community after conspiracy theory anti-Covid vaccine stickers began appearing on street furniture.
Mark Brown, the local Conservative Councillor, branded those sharing the stickers as “bampots” while local MP, Christine Jardine, said that those responsible were endangering the community.
It is not known who is behind the sticker campaign in the Edinburgh suburb but several posters telling people not to take the vaccine and to stop obeying Covid protocols are visible on lampposts and bins throughout the area.
The stickers appear to have been sourced from “The White Rose” anonymous online conspiracy community.
They describe themselves on their Instagram as: “...a global network of independent activists, all working in unison to disseminate a much needed counter narrative to the relentless fear mongering, lies and propaganda we've all been subjected to since day one of the Covid-19 scamdemic.”
Messages on the stickers share misinformation around the vaccine and how well it works - some also contained slurs against Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates.
Christine Jardine MP, said that those responsible for the false messaging were putting communities at risk while defacing public property.
She said: “The vaccine programme has proved a fantastic success in protecting us from a Covid-19 virus which continues to claim lives.
“Sadly those who decline the vaccine put themselves at increased risk and make it more difficult for the rest of us to be completely safe.
“Although everyone is entitled to their own opinions, it’s disappointing to see our communities being defaced in this way, and such a lack of respect for those doing what they can to protect themselves and their families.
“I won’t stop encouraging our community to get vaccinated and I would urge everyone to take up the vaccine to protect themselves and others by doing so.”
She was joined in her condemnation by local Tory councillor Mark Brown, who branded those behind the misinformation campaign as “bampots".
He said: “The good people of Drum Brae/Gyle are far too shrewd and savvy to be taking their news and guidance about being protected against a global pandemic from silly wee stickers placed on street furniture. Indeed, they should be firmly stuck in the bin, not on top of it.
“The bampots behind such anti-vax nonsense and peddling blatant mis-information should really be ashamed of themselves. I’d urge anyone who has yet to do so, to get their vaccinations at the earliest opportunity.”
A spokesperson for Edinburgh City Council, meanwhile, confirmed the sticker campaign constitutes a criminal offence..
They added: “It is illegal to put stickers or posters on street furniture or signs and we will locate any of these stickers on Council property and ensure that they are removed.
"It is always good to check claims relating to the pandemic by going to reliable sources such as Government and health websites.”
