Five Animal Rising activists arrested after occupying Glasgow's Cail Bruich

Five Animal Rising protestors were arrested in Glasgow on Saturday evening after the group occupied Michelin-star restaurant Cail Bruich.

Seven supporters of the group (formally Animal Rebellion) entered the restaurant, led by head chef Lorna McNee, at 7:30pm and refused to leave.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 7.55pm on Saturday, 20 May, 2023, officers were called to a business address on Great Western Road, Glasgow following reports of a peaceful protest within.

“The group were given advice and asked to leave the premises. When they refused, five people were arrested, cautioned and charged. They are expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date.”

Animal Rising says its protests aim to create “a national conversation on our broken relationship [with animals and nature]”.

Previously restaurants targeted by the group have questioned why it had selected venues that champion sustainable ingredients, and Cail Bruich’s website states its menus “change in harmony with the Scottish seasons, dictated by ingredients that are local and sustainable”.

Comments from one of the protesters mentioned the price of the restaurant’s £140 tasting menu as well as its decision not to offer vegan or dairy-free menus.

On the same evening 10 of the group’s supporters protested at Wolfgang Puck’s CUT restaurant at 45 Park Lane, in London. They entered the restaurant at 8pm and occupied tables reserved for customers.

A spokesperson for the Dorchester Collection said: "Animal Rising entered CUT on the evening of 20 May to protest against the serving of meat. Our priority was to ensure the safety and well-being of our guests. The incident was reported to the police, who are conducting an investigation."

The group has also claimed that protests took place in Southampton, Bristol, Birmingham and Lancaster on the same evening.