IndyCamp protesters lose bid to appeal to Supreme Court

Campaigners for Scottish independence who were evicted from part of the Scottish Parliament's grounds having been found to be in illegal occupation, have been refused permission to appeal to the UK Supreme Court.

Lord Justice Clerk Lady Dorrian, Lord Menzies and Lord Glennie agreed following a hearing yesterday that the protesters had raised no arguable points of law of general public importance which ought to be considered by the Supreme Court – the legal test that now applies for a case to be allowed to be appealed.

The campers were evicted in November after the judges affirmed an earlier decision that their occupation was unlawful and could not be defended on human rights grounds.

At yesterday's hearing the court heard further bizarre claims from applicant Richard McFarlane, that Jedi knights from the Star Wars films were helping the campaigners fight the "evil empire" of the UK and the European Union.

At previous stages it has been claimed in court that Jesus Christ had given permission for the camp.

The protesters, who said they would continue their fight, have 28 days to apply direct to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal.