G8Alternatives: Main Demo at Gleneagles Train Station 1st Day of G8 (6th july)

The last meeting of the G8Alternatives mobilisation in January 2005 agreed to call their main mass demonstration on the first day of the G8 Summit (Wednesday 6th July) with the meeting point at Midday at Gleneagles train station.

So far the authorities have indicated that the "red zones" (ie. closed security zones) will only exist in the immediate area around the Gleneagles Hotel where the Summit will be held, while other restrictions are likely to be impossed in the surrounding area.

Additional security measures will include local road closures, checkpoints and restricted access for resisdents only in some areas on production of a pre-issued photographic identity card. The authorities have maintained that the main A9 road and rail links will remain open. Gleneagles train station where the G8Alternatives demonstration is planned to assemble is situated on the opposite side of the A9 to the Gleneagles hotel. G8Alternatives are understood to be discussing their demonstration plans with the local authorities.

One of the main problems facing the G8Alternatives mobilisation, along with other groups, is the task of finding camping accomodation for the tens of thousands of people expected to converge in Scotland in July. At previous European G8 Summits the local authorities have provided large campsites and other facilities for G8 protesters. Some fear a chaotic situation if a suitable agreement with the authorities is not reached. It's believed many are prepared to consider squatting an area of land as part of their protest - a move which could find favour in a country where land rights themselves are an important political issue.

G8Alternatives are also organising an alternative Summit, with venues booked in Edinburgh for Sunday 3rd July, and have secured agreements with several big name bands for a music event.

Other events planned for around the G8 Summit include the massive Make Poverty History demonstration in Edinburgh on Saturday 2nd July, a blockade of the Faslane nuclear submarine base on Monday 4th July, a demonstration focussing on climate change, numerous cultural events and various protests and blockades against the G8 Summit throughout the three days running from 6th-8th July.

See G8Alternatives Minutes:

http://www.g8alternatives.org.uk/admin/test/g8Mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=1

Also see:

http://www.makepovertyhistory.org

http://www.dissent.org.uk

G8 Update

Comments

Hide the following 5 comments

but

24.01.2005 18:02

A great idea but so as long as protestors can get off the train! My fear is the train station will be shut or bypassed altogether.

kkk

g8 plans

25.01.2005 12:03

OK, people involved in Dissent can now start to seriously think about how the libertarian response will fit in with these plans. I don't see any clashes so far...

Krop

Prediction

25.01.2005 14:37

I predict that the authorities (which here I assume means the police, the scottish executive, the local council, the pentagon and the uk home office) will refuse to give this demo any permission. But at least they will have to explain why they won't allow it.

mystic bobby

g8 plans?!

25.01.2005 18:57

Yup kropp .. i can see a slight clash here ... if Dissent finally tries to do blockades on the day from early morning, how will the Alternatives lot be able to make it to Gleaneagles station then?

I guess the best solution is if Alternatives and Dissent talk and negotiate a collective and effective day of action instead of each going its own way.

Closing Roads

17.05.2005 13:55

The police say they are closing all the roads approaching Gleneagles thus preventing protestors from marching past the hotel. The road past the hotel is half a mile away from the hotel itself so there is no reason why this should be closed.

It is the worst possible outcome for residents of Auchterarder since they are effectively sending the protestors to our local park. Protestors have the right to march and demonstrate - but what right have the police (Government/Council/Whoever) to send the demonstrators to Auchterarder which is nothing at all to do with the G8.

The park is nowhere near big enough for a demonstration of thousands of people. Find out for yourself. A travelling fair has just come to the park and will be there for this weekend. Come to the fair and see how 200 people swamps the park.

Disgruntled of Auchterarder