Assynt's Blockade Reports

Five people from Assynt, in northwest Sutherland were arrested on Monday for blockading the North Gate of the Faslane Military Base protesting against the replacement of Trident nuclear weapons. The arrests happened after a fun afternoon of Faslane Highland Games, which was organised by the Assynt Peace Group. The Games included all the traditional competitions, such as Toss the Caber, Putt the Haggis and an Egg and Spoon Race plus some special events to celebrate Faslane 365, including Welly over Faslane. The Games concluded with a magnificent Tug o’ Peace, which blocked the gate to the military base.

This is Noooo Faff!, a wee group from the Deeside area (yes, THAT part of Deeside) and not quite having got its act together to actively join the blockade at Faslane Nuclear Submarine Base, it seemed that the best way would be to go down to support those who were doing the blockade of the gates in the first days of the Faslane365 action. People felt they needed to get some impressions of what was going on and speak to people who were getting involved, as well as to meet more of those from the Highland areas who are focusing on Faslane, but active in other areas too, such as land reform, permaculture and peace.

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.