Cops on high alert & security measures in place for Old Firm Scottish Cup final

COPS will be on high alert across Glasgow tomorrow when the Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers brings down the curtain on Scotland’s domestic football season.

Security measures begin as early as Glasgow Central Station, where rival fans have been asked to queue separately for trains to Hampden Park in the city’s southside.

To keep opposing supporters apart, Celtic’s contingent are urged to use King’s Park Station while Rangers fans will use Mount Florida.

It has been 21 years since the Glasgow giants have faced each other in the Scottish Cup final and enhanced police resources will be tasked with covering not only the stadium but the city centre as well.

Last Saturday, an estimated 25,000 Hoops supporters converged on the Glasgow Cross area after their side secured the 2023 / 24 league title.

Traders complained they lost business due to the congestion in the Trongate and Saltmarket, when fireworks and flares were lit and bus shelters damaged.

A number of police officers were injured.

It’s not known if fans plan a repeat visit today in the event of a Celtic victory.

Should Rangers prevail, it is possible they may later converge on the city’s George Square, a traditional magnet for the club’s supporters.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “An appropriate policing plan is in place to maintain public safety and minimise any disruption to the community.

“We continue to work closely with a range of partners, including Glasgow City Council and both clubs.”

The weather is set to smile on Hampden this afternoon.

Following a dull morning, the clouds are set to break just before kick-off, with temperatures in the high teens Celsius.

It promises to be an emotional day all-round for those in green and white and light blue.

At noon, a statue will be unveiled at Ibrox of legendary Rangers manager Walter Smith, who died in 2021 at the age of 73.

Over at Hampden, at the final whistle, Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart will bid farewell to fans as the Englishman retires from the game at the age of 37.

The AA expects half of all the UK’s drivers – nearly 20 million – to hit the road at some point this weekend.

Though the motoring organisation admits drivers have yet to make up their minds on exactly where they are going.

They said that by by-passing busy motorways, drivers could save up to £10 a tank on fuel by filling up at petrol stations on A roads, where prices are cheaper.

Most of the weekend will be a damp and dank affair, with the prospect of dramatic thunderstorms on Sunday.

Thousands of runners will brave the elements in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on Sunday, starting in the historic old town of the capital.

Unfortunately, Scotland is expected to be regularly soaked for the rest of May.

Met Office forecaster Annie Shuttleworth said: “Saturday will be the warmest and driest day of the weekend for most of us.

“To end the day, things will deteriorate from the south and west, with a band of heavy rain moving in.”