U.S. forces launched a major offensive on Monday night 8th November to regain control over the Iraqi rebel-held city of Fallujah. As of the morning of Tuesday 9th November fierce fighting is taking place within Fallujah. Ground troops are meeting opposition, while US artillery and missile-firing helicopters are pounding city buildings. Many civilian deaths are expected. Meanwhile on Monday another Black Watch soldier was killed. In response in Edinburgh red paint and anti war slogans were sprayed on the US consulate [report | update and picture]. 100-150 protested in Parliament Square, Edinburgh, while protesters blocked roads in London and demos were scheduled for Monday evening in at least 30 locations Britain-wide. [Indymedia UK feature] Protests are being called for town and city centres across Scotland from 5pm on Tuesday 9th November. In Glasgow meet in George Square. In Edinburgh meet in Parliament Square, marching on the Scottish Parliament around 5.30pm. Anti war demos are being called for town and city centres across Scotland from 5pm on Tuesday 9th November.

FOUR GM crop protesters convicted of aggravated trespass for their part in a protest at Munlochy on the Black Isle in August 2001 won their appeal at the High Court in Edinburgh on 7th October 2004. The genetically modified crop trials at Munlochy were the target of a sustained, well-supported and ultimately successful campaign of resistance. This included direct actions when people decontaminated fields by uprooting the GM plants. The authorities eventually abandoned plans for a further GM trial in the Scottish Highlands.

The people of Shetland resist the repatriation of a family to Burma. The normally fairly apolitical people of the Shetland Islands have shown that they are determined not allow a Burmese family living in the islands to be repatriated.