WORKSHOPS on "non-violence" are being held for protestors taking part in the huge demonstration in the Capital around the G8 summit.

The sessions are being organised by Friends of the Earth but are open to all people planning to take part in the Make Poverty History demonstration, when up to 200,000 people are expected to descend on the Capital.

The workshops, being held at Lamb's House in Leith, will teach protestors about how effective peaceful protests have been in the past and how the technique can be used at the G8 demonstration.

During the July 2 rally, protestors aim to form a "human wristband" around the city centre, dressed in white clothes.

Although the Make Poverty History event is expected to be largely peaceful, it is thought that a rogue element may attempt to use the event to cause trouble.

Fears are mounting that the Capital will come to a standstill in the run-up to G8, with businesses pulling down the shutters rather than running the risk of customers getting caught up in violent clashes. McDonald's is already planning to close its city centre branches and Shell is also considering closing Capital filling stations.