The first votes of election day were cast not in a ballot box, but in a field of Genetically Manipulated (GM) Oilseed Rape.  In the early hours of Election Day, campaigners cut an 'X' shaped swathe through the controversial GM crop currently growing at Munlochy on the Black Isle, Inverness.

The GM trial has been vociferously opposed by the local community from the start.  "Non-violent direct action against this crop is an inevitable consequence of the Government ignoring local democracy.  These individuals are voicing the concerns of countless other citizens in the Black Isle and all over Scotland" said Matthew Herbert, a campaigner for Scottish Genetix Action.

"People have very real and reasonable fears about the effects of GM on the environment, Scottish biodiversity, and, of course, on human health.  The Government has ignored these arguments and sided with transnational corporations, who are only out to make big bucks, over the interests of their people."

One of the campaigners responsible for the action said: "Our action sends a clear message that GM is not welcome in Scotland - nor are any politicians or companies who support it."

"If they won't keep Scotland GM Free, it falls to the people to do it. We hope many others realise that they have to take action and build real democracy where the government has failed them.  We chose to vote today for a GM free future for Scotland."

Local organic farmer Donnie Macleod said, "Those people that carried out this action are simply echoing the opinion of the vast majority of the local community.  I hope this means that no more fields of contamination are planted in the Highlands."

ENDS

For more information contact: Donnie Macleod: 07747 896878