Abortion protest buffer zones have come into place around hospitals and clinics today.

Six venues in the city and two more in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board area are covered under the new law.

It is now a criminal offence to stage a protest, hand out leaflets, or approach someone trying to persuade them not to have an abortion.

It also includes religious preaching and silent vigils all within 200 metres of any of the named premises.

The list in Glasgow is The Princess Royal Maternity/Glasgow Royal Infirmary, New Victoria Hospital, Stobhill Hospital, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the Sandyford Clinic and Ross Hall Hospital.

The banned sites also includes the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley and the Vale of Level Hospital.

Within these zones, it is now a criminal offence to intentionally or recklessly behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress.

Anyone who breaks the law could be fined up to £10,000, or be given an unlimited fine, depending on the court procedure.

The law came into force after MSPs voted for Green MSP Gillian Mackay’s Safe Access Zones Bill

Jenny Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, said: “The introduction of Safe Access Zones is a crucial milestone in protecting women’s abortion rights – no one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions and the law now makes that abundantly clear.

“I thank Gillian Mackay and all those involved for their work to progress this legislation. I would like especially recognise the women who showed incredible courage in speaking up and sharing their experiences during the Bill process.

“The new zones of 200 meters around all abortion services will help ensure women have safe access to healthcare – free from intimidation. This law is about protection for women at a time when many will feel incredibly vulnerable around taking a deeply personal and difficult decision.”