Occupy Glasgow protesters set up new camp in Blythswood Square

Occupy Glasgow protesters have set up a second city camp on an “international day of action” in solidarity with the global movement.

The Occupy Glasgow group has a base in the city’s Kelvingrove Park, provided by the city council, but it has now established another camp in Blythswood Square.

Protesters said the new camp, set up last night, is to show solidarity with other Occupy protests across the world.

Paddy McManus said: “This is part of an international day of action against the banks. We are going to try to persuade people to move from banks to credit unions.

“It’s also in support of the occupiers being evicted in Oakland, Wall Street and the due eviction in London.”

Another camp member Mark Porciani said: “It’s about proving that while they try to clear us out in one part of the world we will pop up in another part.”

The group originally set up camp in George Square but moved to Kelvingrove Park after the council offered them the new site to make way for Remembrance Day and Christmas events in the square.

The protesters believe they will face no council opposition to the new camp because it is on private property.

Mr McManus said: “We are effectively out of the council’s hair in this site but we will be negotiating with our neighbours here. We want to respect the area and will be doing litter picks and things to look after it.”