THE Scottish CND have praised the positive impact of their latest anti-nuclear rally at Faslane.

The mass demonstration took place on Saturday afternoon as hundreds of campaigners greeted a range of international guest speakers.

Scottish Makar Jackie Kay welcomed visitors to the celebratory event which also included speakers from the USA, Russia, Iran, the Netherlands, Israel and Germany, marking one year since the signing of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

The treaty has yet to be ratified by enough member states for it to come into force, but SCND chair Janet Fenton was thrilled with the turnout at Saturday’s gathering and believes momentum is building for the movement.

She said: “It went extremely well and the message that was delivered was very powerful.

“The UK is mistaken for supporting the presence of these weapons on our shores and the world view is now shifting.

“California, a state with over 39 million people, has just introduced legislature urging the US to support the UN treaty, while over 50 financial institutions worldwide are now disinvesting in companies which back nuclear weapons.

“This is not a matter of politics, it is a matter of survival of humanity and this was a day for celebration.”

The busy get-together passed without incident with only minor travel disruption reported and the Ministry of Defence Police did not deal with any security issues.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland worked in conjunction with Ministry of Defence Police and Argyll & Bute Council as well as the rally organisers to ensure that it was conducted safely and with minimum disruption to the local community.

“Approximately 600 persons attended the demonstration and there were no arrests made.”

Ms Fenton said the buoyant atmosphere among the audience has given encouragement for the future cause.

She added: “This was a very special party and we were able to do a huge amount of networking with other supporters.

“Faslane is now on a very shoogly nail and hopefully the UN treaty will be ratified by 50 states by 2020.

“This will mean our government can spend money on creating jobs which are really needed, in Scotland, and in Helensburgh in particular.”