PROTESTERS have clashed with police as they tried to demonstrate against coronavirus measures.

A small crowd gathered at Holyrood at around 12pm on Monday to take part in the Scotland Against Lockdown event.

Community liaison officers warned those who were in attendance that they would face a fine if they stay at the location, however many refused to leave.

Two women were taken into the back of police vehicles after arguing with officers about their right to be outside the Scottish Parliament to protest.

Under current coronavirus regulations covering mainland Scotland people may not leave home for anything other than essential purposes, meaning marches and protests are banned.

READ MORE: Holyrood anti-lockdown protest 'selfish and disrespectful', council leader warns

The event had been promoted as being a peaceful march from Holyrood to Bute House in Charlotte Square.

However, most people left the scene after instruction from officers and the procession never got under way.

One protester, who identified herself as Sandra, said: “They’re fighting for their civil liberties and human rights.”

She had brought a banner which suggested against using the coronavirus vaccine.

It added: “Inject civil liberties and human rights.”

The woman was later taken into the back of a police vehicle.

Another woman tried to resist being taken into a force van by sitting on the floor.

She was carried away by officers and put in the back of the vehicle.

Nicola Sturgeon was asked about the demonstration at the briefing. She was unequivocal in her response.

WATCH: Nicola Sturgeon's blistering rebuke of coronavirus sceptics

“It’s not some that’s particularly earth-shattering but I’m a passionate believer in freedom of speech and freedom of speech and people’s right to protest in a democracy,” the First Minister said.

“But right now, coming together in groups is putting people at risk. It’s putting people’s health at risk and frankly it’s not an exaggeration to say it’s putting people’s lives at risk.

“I think it’s deeply irresponsible to be doing that, whoever you are and whatever the cause is that you might be protesting for or protesting against.

“To people who are Covid deniers. Covid’s not fake, it’s not made up, it’s not a figment of anybody’s imagination. You try telling that to the 1600 people in Scottish hospitals today suffering from Covid; the more than 100 people in intensive care suffering from Covid today; the more than 4000 families who are currently grieving the loss of a loved one because of Covid.

“It’s not made up, it’s very, very real and if you think not wearing a mask or gathering together in groups and encouraging people not to take the vaccine makes you smart, I just think the vast majority of the population disagree with you and think you’re actually being really irresponsible.”

On Saturday, Scots were urged not to attend the Holyrood protest after after a man was arrested at a similar event in Glasgow's George Square.

READ MORE: Scots warned to stay away from Edinburgh lockdown protest after arrest in Glasgow

Superintendent David Robertson said: “We understand people want to make their voices heard, but they must do so lawfully and safely.

“The Scottish Government regulations are clear that public processions and static protests are prohibited under the current Level 4 restrictions.

“Our approach throughout this pandemic has been to use the 4Es approach, which is to engage with the public, explain the restrictions in place, encourage compliance and, as a last resort we will use enforcement, where required.

“The chief constable has been clear, where officers encounter wilful breaches, we will act decisively to enforce the law.

“We are asking people to take personal responsibility and stay at home in order to protect our NHS and save lives.”