Press Releases & Updates 2002

The MSP, who will attend the blockade, said: "It is now less than 12 months to the elections for the Scottish parliament and you can be sure those of us who are opposed to the siting of Trident on the Clyde will do our damnedest to ensure that the removal of weapons of mass destruction from Faslane is seriously discussed as part of the election campaign."

Meanwhile four protesters faced charges of breach of the peace in Helensburgh District Court. Sixth form student Heather Stewart (17), from London and university student Rachel Hand (18) were jointly charged after lying down in the gateway at Faslane on 11th February this year. Heather told the court that her study of history, in particular such movements as the suffragettes and the Chartists, had convinced her that civil disobedience was essential to social progress and she was quite ready to do what she had done again. Supporters in court were greatly impressed by the poise, skill and assurance with which these young women conducted their own defence. They were each fined £90.

Christine Cranston (38), a mother from Edinburgh who also took part in the February blockade, told Justice of the Peace Nicholson that it was "over the top" to accuse her of breaching the peace. She had not come to Faslane to give anyone any hassle, she simply wanted to make her protest. When asked by Procurator Fiscal McRae what had been the effect of her sitting in the road she replied: "My bottom got wet." She was also fined £90 as was young actress Itxaso Moreno for an alleged breach of the peace at the blockade of Faslane in October last year.

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