Thousands march in Edinburgh protest over cuts

THOUSANDS of protesters, including SNP and Labour politicians, took to the streets of Edinburgh to demonstrate against George Osborne's cuts, which will see £3 billion slashed from the Scottish budget over the next four years.

Teachers and lecturers from across Scotland joined thousands of public sector workers in a rally to express their anger over last week's comprehensive spending review, which they claim will damage public services and put the economic recovery at risk.

The march was led by trade union officials, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Iain Gray, the Scottish Labour leader. Organisers were hoping for a turnout of 20,000, although police said the number was around 6,500.

Brass and pipe bands encouraged the marchers as they headed from Waverley Station, along Princes Street before congregating to hear speakers at the Ross Band Stand in West Princes Street Gardens.

Mounted police officers and stewards ensured that the noisy but peaceful protest passed off without incident.

MacAskill said: "Every walk of life in Scotland is going to be damaged by these cuts - our economy and our society. These cuts are too far and too fast and will be fundamentally damaging. Scotland has come together in the past against the decisions of a Conservative government and it is time to work together again"

Gray added: "The coalition government is cutting too fast and too deep and will damage the economic recovery and cost 100,000 jobs. That's why I'm here."

Organised with the Scottish Trades Union Congress, union members from across the country turned out to show their anger at the Chancellor's cuts.

Ronnie Smith, general secretary of the EIS teaching union, said: " The rally, which has brought together public sector workers and supporters from throughout Scotland and across the political spectrum, will send a clear message to the politicians that we will simply not accept a continuing attack on our vital public services."