Last resort anti-social behaviour powers could be harnessed by the police in Edinburgh to crack down on increasing 'lawlessness and bloody violence' in the Old Town.
City council leader Cammy Day said dispersal orders could be used to tackle crime in the area, following a desperate plea by businesses for help.
An open letter sent to police chie f, councillors and MSPs including the First Minister said "shocking anti-social behaviour and unbelievable levels of theft" had reached "unprecedented and totally unacceptable levels" and were "corroding" the historic city centre streets.