GETHIN CHAMBERLAIN
CHIEF NEWS CORRESPONDENT

the G8 summit will take place.

After months of wrangling, Perth and Kinross Council agreed that protesters, led by the G8 Alternatives group, could come within 500 metres of the Gleneagles Hotel.

The march, which was amended following concerns over the original route, will assemble in Auchterarder's Western Road, proceed up Orchil Road, down Easthill Road and Tullibardine and back to the start point.

But protesters have been warned not to assemble before midday and must have dispersed by 5pm.

Welcoming the news, G8 Alternatives spokesman Aamer Anwar, the human rights lawyer said: "Today is a victory for the right to protest. We have always fought for the right to protest within earshot of Gleneagles.

"Thousands of people will arrive in Scotland to protest in a peaceful manner."

Mr Anwar said G8 Alternatives had arranged for 70 coaches to bus people to the protest.

He said it could not be estimated how many thousands of people might turn up but a "ball-park figure of 5,000" was predicted.

Gill Hubbard, also of G8 Alternatives, said: "We have been trying to get permission to march at Gleneagles since July last year. Although it is wonderful that we have finally got the go-ahead, I think it is irresponsible of police not to give us this route until today.

"Millions have marched peacefully at Downing Street and Westminster, so why shouldn't we do it here in our thousands?"

She said the group was not anticipating any trouble as long as there was a policy of sensitive policing.

The council and Tayside Police will publish details of the arrangements for the march, including transport, car parking and other facilities on Monday. Police say at least 150 stewards will be mobilised along the two-mile route, with another 100 on stand-by.

Assistant chief constable Willie Bald said: "We have always acknowledged that protests were likely to take place and believe this is the best solution to deliver a properly organised demonstration.

"That is why the police encourage continued discussions with G8 Alternatives.

"Public safety is our main priority, both in terms of the local community and the people taking part in any protest.

"Tayside Police will have appropriate resources in place to manage this event and any other demonstrations that take place during the summit."