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MSPs have been placed on high alert after ­suspicious ­packages were sent to three SNP targets.

Police and the Scottish Parliament’s head of security issued a warning yesterday after a letter containing white powder was sent to SNP HQ near Holyrood.

Earlier this week, similar packages were sent to MP John Nicolson’s office and SNP-led Angus Council’s HQ – with a letter stating: “Get SNP Out. Tories in.”

We can reveal that the substance in the packages was fertiliser – often used by terrorists to make cheap home-made bombs.

(Image: Police)

Armed officers were part of an increased police ­presence deployed to the Scottish ­Parliament in ­Edinburgh.

A police source said: “There is a security alert amid this increase in tensions relating to the political arena in Scotland and the rest of the UK.”

The first package was sent to Nicolson’s constituency office in Kirkintilloch, ­Dunbartonshire, on Tuesday.

(Image: JOHN JEFFAY)

SNP headquarters at ­Jackson’s Entry, Edinburgh, was sent a package the same day while Angus Council’s ­buildings in Forfar received a similar letter on Wednesday.

A claim made in the Forfar letter that it contained anthrax spores was found to be false.

Nicolson dismissed one newspaper’s claim that the substance in the letter to his office was “biscuits”.

A police source said: “Tensions are high within the political community.

“The substance sent to the MSP and the HQ was fertiliser, a cheap ingredient for home-made bombs.

(Image: Daily Record)

“It’s not hazardous on its own but whoever is behind this is sending a terror message to politicians.

“It’s being investigated at the highest level.”

Becky Thomson, head of Scottish Parliament security, last night issued a security warning to all MSPs and urged them to call 999 if they found a suspicious package.

Politicians were defiant after receiving a ­security briefing.

George Adam, SNP MSP for Paisley, said: “We take safety seriously, especially for the visiting public, but we can’t look like we’re running scared.

“We can be careful but have to make sure we’re not putting up barriers.”

(Image: ALLAN MILLIGAN)

The regional office of Liam Kerr, Tory MSP for the North East, is in Forfar, close to the targeted council building.

He said: “It is a salutary reminder that we’re exposed. It makes me nervous for myself and staff but it’s also a reminder that we have such good police and security.”

After the Forfar scare, Angus Council said they worked closely with emergency services to ensure public safety.

A spokesman said: “All appropriate and precautionary actions are being taken.”

The SNP did not make any comment last night.

The Scottish Police College at Tulliallan and the Scottish Police Federation in Glasgow were put in lockdown yesterday over fears they had received a similar suspicious package.

Neither was connected to the SNP packages, it was later confirmed. Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Mawson said: “There are no apparent injuries to any officers or staff.”

The IRA used fertiliser bombs in terror attacks throughout The ­Troubles, including the 1996 attack on Canary Wharf in London.

Fertiliser was the main ­ingredient in the largest of the Bali bombs that killed 202 people in 2002.