Clashes force G8 march cancellation

An official march to the edge of Gleneagles to mark the opening of the G8 summit in Scotland has been cancelled because of earlier trouble involving protesters, police confirmed today.

Tayside Police decided to ban the march on the grounds of public safety after running battles between police and anarchists erupted on the streets of Stirling this morning.

A force spokeswoman said: “The G8 Alternatives march in Auchterarder has been cancelled following discussions between police and organisers.”

The violence sparked road closures across south Perthshire and Central Scotland.

There are currently around 1,500 protesters in Auchterarder who had been planning to march at midday.

Chief Supt Iain MacLeod, speaking at a press conference in the town, said officers were in discussions with march organisers to see if the event could be rescheduled.

A Tayside Police spokeswoman said: “It is not going ahead on the grounds of public safety and because of the disruption to the road network in the area and the level of criminal activity taking place.

“We are asking people not to turn up for the march as we would not want to see peaceful protesters caught up with the anarchist elements in the march.

“It could be an option to reschedule the march at a later stage following consultation with G8 Alternatives.”