EDINBURGH, Scotland, May 14 (UPI) -- David Cameron made his first visit to Scotland as U.K. prime minister Friday as protesters gathered outside the Scottish Parliament, observers said.
The newly elected Cameron avoided about 200 protesters rallying against anticipated job cuts by entering the Parliament building through an underground parking garage, The Scotsman newspaper reported.
Cameron pledged during the campaign to visit Scotland after the elections, the newspaper said.
"I promised that if I became prime minister I would come to Scotland within a week," Cameron said, "in order to come to the Scottish Parliament to show my respect."
Cameron met with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond.
"I also want to see a fresh start in the relationship between the British prime minister and the Scottish first minister," he said. "This relationship is important."
Before the meeting at ministerial headquarters, Salmond said he planned to "stick up for Scotland's interests," The Scotsman said.
