RHIANNON EDWARD

ANTI-capitalist demonstrators have posted a detailed film on the internet of a "reconnaissance" mission to Gleneagles hotel, which will host next year's G8 summit.

Wearing masks, the political activists recorded images of the hotel and its grounds. Their footage was then posted on the internet in an apparent attempt to help activists in other countries plan disruption.

In one shot, on the way to Gleneagles in the back of a van, an activist dressed in black fatigues is filmed saying: "We're here to get a feel for the area if the G8 comes here. It will be a really bad idea if they do.

"It's next to one of the main motorways and will wreak complete havoc on Scotland."

The film, posted on a website hosted by Dissent, a UK-based coalition of "anti-authoritarians", is being investigated by police gathering intelligence on the groups that plan to disrupt the two-day meeting of the leaders of the world's wealthiest countries in July next year.

Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to come to Perthshire to disrupt the summit, which will be attended by 1,000 delegates as well as the leaders of the United States, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Russia.

Tayside police will not reveal details of counter-demonstration plans, but Chief Superintendent Brian Powrie said: "We are monitoring things carefully.

"But we cannot tell at this stage what the extent of unlawful protest will be, if indeed there will be any. There's a lot of information on the internet and we are keeping a close eye on it."

Tayside police has said it would use the "full force of the law" against troublemakers.

The activists, who accuse G8 nations of profiting from the poverty of third world countries, have held clandestine meetings to plan their strategy.

They are hoping to mobilise the biggest protest seen in Scotland, laying siege to the venue and sabotaging transport links.

Gleneagles was chosen because of its relative remoteness - a factor that simplifies security issues. During last year's summit in Evian, France, 50,000 protesters battled riot police and blocked traffic.