PROTESTORS appear to have flouted the new law on abortion clinic buffer zones on its first day.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Scotland Act came into force today (September 24), creating protected zones of 200 metres around clinics that offer abortion services to protect women from harassment.

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.

However, a picture shared on X appears to show two people who turned up outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) this afternoon with a sign within the buffer zone. 

READ NEXT: Warning of ‘significant’ fines for breaking abortion buffer zone laws

One woman was holding a sign that read "Our LADY of Guadalupe" with a picture of the Virgin Mary while another held what appeared to be rosary beads. 

Cops were called to the ground of the hospital at around 12.20pm and spoke to the women who then left the scene. 

It comes just days after we reported that Jenni Minto, minister for public health and women’s health, warned people who break the new rules face "significant" fines. 

READ NEXT: Abortion buffer zone law in effect from today: here's the affected sites

Police Scotland is responsible for enforcing the legislation and those who break the law can be fined up to £10,000 under summary court procedure or fined an unlimited amount under solemn procedure for more serious cases.

However, it is understood the two women were not fined but were given "advice". 

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 12.20pm on Tuesday, September 24,we were made aware of a small group of protestors within the grounds of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow. 

"Officers attended, advice was given and the group left."