A council has initiated legal action to evict a self-styled “African tribe” from their new campsite.
The so-called Kingdom of Kubala was evicted from privately-owned land near Jedburgh on Tuesday – but the trio simply moved over a small fence and set up another camp nearby.
Councillor Scott Hamilton, deputy leader of Scottish Borders Council, said it has been established that the new camp is on land owned by the local authority, which has started legal proceedings to move the group.
The tribe is made up of leader Kofi Offeh, 36, the self-proclaimed King Atehene, his wife Jean Gasho, 43, who calls herself Queen Nandi, and “handmaiden” Kaura Taylor, who calls herself Asnat.
The members of the self-proclaimed “kingdom” have said they are reclaiming land that was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago.
A sheriff last week issued a warrant for the removal of the group, which has been camping in woodland near Jedburgh for the past few weeks.
Sheriff officers carried out the eviction on Tuesday. Police Scotland provided support but no arrests were made.
MSPs expected to back flagship justice reform bill which will abolish Scotland’s not proven verdict
Suspect appears in court charged with murder after death of man at Wemyss Bay Holiday Park
‘African tribe’ evicted from Scottish woodland site but set up new camp nearby
Follow our channel and never miss an update
A statement from Scottish Borders Council posted on social media by Mr Hamilton on Tuesday evening said: “The individuals complied with the court order and by their own volition moved to a piece of adjacent land.
“As this new location is council-owned, we have commenced legal proceedings that will enable the due process of eviction.
“Scottish Borders Council and partners have made repeated attempts to engage with the three individuals and will continue to act in the interests of public safety.”
Read more from Sky News:
Madeleine McCann suspect released after rape sentence
Arrests after Trump-Epstein images projected onto castle
Mr Hamilton added: “Nobody is above the law and no matter how long this takes you can be guaranteed we will not cease.”
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
The group did not wish to speak to media after the eviction, saying they only talk to those who bring gifts.
In a post on Facebook, the group said “nobody can stop Kubala”.
The statement ended: “The Kingdom of Kubala can never be destroyed!”
Workmen have now put up a fence around the area where the group has moved.
