24 March 2002

MARCH FOR DONNIE MACLEOD

GM crops bound to 'escape', says EU
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/environment/story.jsp?story=277878
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From: "William Smith" <coopbill@cooptel.net>
Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2002 19:37:26 -0000

MARCH for DONNIE MACLEOD

More than 300 people took part in a march today (Saturday 23rd March) from Inverness High Street to Porterfield Prison.

This was a show of solidarity for Donnie Macleod, organic farmer and anti-GM campaigner from Ardersier, who is currently serving a 21 day jail sentence for contempt of court because, after being called as a prosecution witness, he repeatedly refused to name fellow campaigners who had trampled an oilseed rape crop at Munlochy on the Black Isle on election day last year.

Speeches were made outside the  prison  by Irene Ross, a close friend of Donnie's,  Dr Kenny Taylor chairman of Highlands & Islands GM Concern, and Linda Martin from the Munlochy GM Vigil.  An extract from a statement written by Matthew Herbert, the activist originally charged for damaging the crop last year, was also read out.

Several songs were sung, before the piper played Flower of Scotland and led folk back to Inverness castle.

Given the very short timescale available to organise and publicise this march, the fact that over 300 people took part is quite incredible and it shows the ever increasing concern of ordinary Highland people about GM and all it stands for.
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send a postcard of support: Donnie MacLeod, 73125, B Hall,  HM Prison, Porterfield, Inverness IV2 3HH