Hundreds of anti-nuclear campaigners have spent the day outside the Faslane naval base in protest at the amount of money spent by G8 countries on weaponry. Despite talk of potential trouble, the demonstration passed off peacefully with only one arrest.

Determined to make their voices heard, activists camped outside Scotland's largest military base from dawn. Some locked themselves together, others danced in the sunshine, a few even had time for a picnic. But just two days before the summit, all wanted to send a clear message to the G8 leaders that you cant end poverty without ending war.

Bruce Kent from CND" We spend a trillion dollars a thousand billion dollars on weapons of war and we talk about poverty in Africa. You can't go on without making the connection. "

Tommy Sheridan MSP, SSP member for Glasgow said: "Wouldn't it better if we spent the money that we spend currently on weapons on feeding the world that would help to save lives instead of destroying lives and that's why people from all walks of life are here?"

Organisers had billed the event the biggest and more effective blockade in the base's history but in the end, it was much more low key. There were fewer than expected, around 500 protesters turned up but there has been a carnival atmosphere as they moved from gate to gate around the base, giving the police very few problems.

One protester was arrested after managing to breach security. Police kept a watchful eye as another sat on the fence.

Chief Supt Mitch Roger from Strathclyde Police said: "There is absolutely no need for heavy handed approach, the objective of the policing operation is to allow people to have opportunity to have a peaceful protest and that's actually what they are doing at the moment. Clearly from a public safety point of view should somebody decide to engage in a violent protest I have a duty to protect the officers concerned as well as the demonstrators."

As the demo drew to a close this afternoon, police were relieved that this alternative fourth of July celebrations passed off without any fireworks.