Assynt, 8-9 October 2006

17 people from Assynt, including three teachers, participated, together with four friends from Glasgow and Barcelona, a doctor from Cromarty, six activists from Ballater, a Trident Ploughshares pledger from Grantown, and seven Gareloch Horticulturalists (experienced Trident Ploughshare activists) in this blockade. On the 8th, we ceilidhed, read excerpts from John MacLean, danced a variety of Scottish dances, taught by Wilma Mackay, and heard great fiddle music, played by the Cromarty doctor. (Raigmore Hospital is buzzing!) About 4 o'clock 5 women and three men sat down in front of the gate, partially blocking it. We were warned and arrested, the men going to Dumbarton, the women to Clydebank. We remained for 22 hours, when we were released with a warning from the p.f. The men felt that they were treated respectfully, and that there was much sympathy for our cause.

We women felt that Clydebank was a shambles. one minute we were told that the reliance van was coming for us, and the next, that they couldn't find vegan meals for us! When the food came, it was pretty inedible. One of the women was wished "the best of luck for 365" (out of earshot, of course! I understand that after Assynt had blockaded, the Hortis (4) did so with lock-ons, allowing time fro Seize the Day to block the South gate. Evidently a 13 mile tailback was caused by the police asking for i.d.'s from each car afterwards.