"G8 Gleneagles 2005 - Auchterarder - Perthshire" Auchterarder by scotlandscotour

The western world leaders have announced their next 'G8 summit', in 2005, will be held at Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder - Perthshire - Scotland.

On the final day of the 2004 G8 Summit in Georgia, USA, next years venue was confirmed to be here in Scotland. Oddly, it is said the area is remote, so easy to police - to deter protesters and violence from reaching the VIP delegates.

With its own train station and motorway running right by, in Central Scotland, Auchterarder is far from remote! Maybe some politicians in London have tartan tainted views of the "chilly north lands" - But the reality is that if the police blockade like the USA security for the G8 2004, and if world protesters attempt (as they will) to get close and make their voices heard, Scotland, including Edinburgh and Glasgow are going to grind to a halt. What to expect

See www.perthshireg8.com for detailed information and pictures! (The banner photos on this site refresh - it's the best photo overview of perthshire you'll ever see).

My picture shows the Perthshire they 'hope' to see (peaceful !) - this is north of Perth, where the Highlands begin. Come see!

The G8 are the Heads of Government in 8 of the most powerful "western" nations on Earth: UK, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and Canada. No, China are not invited.

This unofficial, quasi-international meeting of capitalist "western" leaders (men) is criticised for bipassing the United Nations as the international forum for global cooperation and decision making. Russia was only invited once its economic reforms were secure.

The G8, to many opponents and protestors, represents an "elite men's club" of selfish capitalist powers, determined to preserve the global status quo, at all costs (especially poverty and environmental).

Protests against these global issues are becoming more active, desperate and popular, by a disenfranchised humanity who feel action must be taken to stop this "runaway train" crashing us all into the barriers of economic and environmental disaster, ... and war.

USA foreign policy and the war they conducted in Iraq have added greatly to world anxiety.

The hysteria and paranoia now pervading western society seems likely to, amongst other things, cause greater instability, worry and hence democratic need for protest and communication from the people to their present govenment leaders.
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July 2005 - Come to Perthshire - and observe, have your say, be part of world events. If you are touring Scotland at this time, don't be surprised if the trains and roads are unusually busy and the police very active - they'll have their work cut out!

The ranks of upset, worried, angry people and anti - capitalism protesters are likely to be swelled in 2005 by anti- war campaigners - and the sheer frustration of not being able to get close in USA 2004 will cause a "pressure effect" - so - if you want to come and protest, next year, join the party!
(after all, Scotland's biggest music festival, "T in the Park", is held just down the road. If 10s of thousands of grungy students and music fans can find their way to Kinross, militant and activated protesters can get the train from Glasgow to Gleneagles!).

Interesting Websites:

Indymedia.org.uk
Toronto Information Centre
Engrager.net
Dissent.org.uk
BlairOut
GlobalAidsAlliance.org
TheScotsman - Blair - Aids
PeoplesGlobalAction
G8Evian2003 - Pictures
http://www.grscotland.net/
T in the Park Festival 2005
http://www.efestivals.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=29039

Both the G8 Summit and T-in-the-Park are being held, 8-10th July 2005 - so expect chaos!
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Have a look at this map to see where Auchterarder is. On the map, it is half way between Stirling and Perth. Map of Central Scotland

Or is this going to be a "red herring" ? - will the venue be 'changed' later, to avoid conflict and grid-locking the Scottish Economy? Is this a big publicity coo for the Hotel ?

They say "pigs might fly". Well, come to Auchterarder, in Perthshire 2005, and find out!!!

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I recommend reading my Scotland Travel Tips

• Pros:Beautiful Perthshire Countryside, Easy Access By Road and Rail
• Cons:G8 Summit in 2005 - Be there or be well away!!!
• In a nutshell:Auchterarder - Up the A9 From Glasgow & Edinburgh