SNP Leader Alex Salmond has raised a point of order in the House of
Commons this afternoon (12.30 pm) calling for a statement from the
Secretary of State for Scotland on the developing situation around
Gleneagles.

Mr Salmond said:

"It is important that we have a statement from the Secretary of State
for Scotland on the situation developing around Gleneagles.

"I understand that anarchist troublemakers have been involved in
violence in Stirling and in villages throughout south Perthshire, and
that routes by road and rail have been disrupted.

"These are hugely important issues of public safety and the right of
assembly and free speech and it is incumbent on the government,
especially as the Scottish Parliament is not in session, to come before
the Commons to detail what is going on and address the concerns of
elected members."

Welcoming the agreement reached to allow a limited march in
Auchterarder, Mr Salmond said:

"I have been in regular contact with the Police this morning and
welcome
the agreement that has been reached to have a limited demonstration for
the people who have been able to assemble in Auchterarder.

"I welcome in particular the fact that the police have been able to
protect the right of peaceful protest in the face of the outrageous and
unacceptable actions by those on the anarchist fringes - actions I
totally condemn.

"Despite the problems people faced getting there, caused by the
appalling behaviour of a few troublemakers, there is now an opportunity
for the many hundreds of peaceful protestors to have their voice heard.

"There are big decisions being made in Gleneagles this week and we must
not allow the unwelcome actions of a few to deflect the powerful
message
of the many - it is time to make poverty history and reach agreement on
climate change."