Parts of central Edinburgh have been brought to a standstill as anti-capitalist protesters clash angrily with police. Thousands of officers have been on the streets all day, and most of the shops and banks on Princes Street have been forced to close.

The reason was a demonstration by anarchists called the Carnival for Full Enjoyment. Police say their march was unacceptable and trouble soon flared.

No one in a position of authority knew what would happen today. Anarchists had labelled it as a carnival for full enjoyment and it was all very good natured at first. A small group moved west closely followed by police, who blocked their route at Haymarket.

That group was coralled near the Standard Life office. Hemmed in, there was frustration. One man was on the roof of the building and its staff were not allowed to leave the offices. At 12.30 another group appeared on Princes Street and again were quickly surrounded, they moved to Charlotte Square, apparently heading for the First Minister's residence. Police drew their batons to stop them to stop them.

The protest then moved back to Princes Street, where there were more violent incidents. The police have tried to put a line across the road there, but they are vastly outnumbered. The police made sure benches, could not be used as barricades, but once again there were complaints about their tactics.

There were moments that proved otherwise, and a series of skirmishes as they moved to Princes Street Gardens. At one point in a surreal moment, flowers were used as missiles. Most of the day was calm though.

Police say only a handful of people were injured and 30 were arrested.