Details of an event aimed at helping Edinburgh cope should it be hit by a major disaster have been released – on the same day the city’s airport was crippled by a bomb alert.

Counter terrorism, crisis management and the role of social media will be among the topics covered by Community Resilience Week which starts in Monday.

Held at various venues across the capital, the seminars will feature presentations from the likes of Special Branch, senior officers from all the armed services and others.

It has been organised by City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian and Borders Police and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

Superintendent Donnie MacKinnon, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Edinburgh is one of the most dynamic and safest cities in the UK but it is imperative that we do not become complacent about the importance of security and the continued need for vigilance and preparation around major incidents.

"The annual Community Resilience Week is a crucial platform where those with an interest in business continuity and counter terrorism can come together to exchange ideas and share good practice.

"It should not be forgotten that all communities have a responsibility to maintain Edinburgh as a safe place to live, work and visit”.

The week starts with a Council-led conference bringing together experts from across the UK to discuss how to keep businesses operating in the event of a major incident.

Planning, data security and crime prevention will be among the subjects covered.

Police-led events are structured around three of the four strands of the Government’s Counter Terrorism Strategy CONTEST – Prevent, Protect and Prepare.

The week will culminate with a National Security Conference.

Council Leader, Cllr Jenny Dawe, said: "It’s vitally important that businesses are aware of the emergencies – such as bad weather or security alerts – and events that could affect them, and their customers and the correct procedures to follow.

“This conference will help to inform, educate and allow for the sharing of best practice."

Graham Birse, Managing Director of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: “All businesses, small and large, need to switch on to the resilience agenda.

“The consequences if you don’t can, in some cases, be pretty severe.”

Earlier today Edinburgh Airport was forced to evacuate after a suspicious package was discovered.

Roads were closed and traffic diverted as part of precautions aimed at preventing more people reaching the danger area.

The alert was stood down soon after when bomb disposal experts deemed there was no threat.