1. GM crop protesters stage rally
2. Support the Vigil at Munlochy
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1. GM crop protesters stage rally
Ananova
A number of protesters have held a vigil outside a farm following a rally against genetically modified crop tests at the site. Organisers say the rally at Roskill Farm in the Munlochy area of the Black Isle was attended by between 200 and 300 mainly local people.
The farm has one of the four fields in the north of Scotland that has been given the go-ahead for GM trials by the Scottish Executive. The rally followed the recent arrest of six of protesters who were charged with aggravated trespass. They are due to face trial on November 23.
Scottish shadow rural affairs minister Fergus Ewing, and SNP MSP for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber, was among the speakers at the rally which lasted for about two hours. Mr Ewing says his party will be continuing to press for legislation requiring all GM crop tests to get local backing before being permitted. He said: "There was a fairly good turnout, despite the obvious alternative attraction of Scotland against Croatia [football!], and everything went off peaceably.
"I think it's very evident from today's demonstration and recent campaigns, that many people are concerned about GM crops. Many people today expressed concerns over the lack of information and government secrecy.
"There's also a specific worry over the possible serious effect which GM crops may have on organic farming and also on bee-keeping."
Several campaigners are staying in three caravans adjacent to the field on a rota basis until the test crops are removed.
Story filed: 21:02 Saturday 1st September 2001
RELATED STORIES:
GM protesters in court 17:14 Friday 24th August 2001
Protesters held after GM crop demo 18:00 Thursday 23rd August 2001
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2. Vigil at Munlochy
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Dear Friend
As you may be aware, last week protestors attempted to stop the sowing of a fieldscale trial of GM oilseed rape on the Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland. Eleven people were arrested. The sowing of the 100 acre field is now complete.
Since last Wednesday (22nd) protestors have been holding a 24 hour vigil at the site; they plan to remain there for as long as is necessary.
Please send a postcard of support to the protestors and pass this email on to anyone you know who is sympathetic. The aim is to have postcards of support arriving from all round the world to cheer them on through the long dark winter!!
The address is: GM Protestors' Caravan, The Layby, Near Roskill Farm, Munlochy, Ross-shire, Scotland IV8 8PA
Many thanks, Pam