A climate of fear: Inside the protest camp fighting opencast mining
By Edd McCracken
FOR A hotbed of supposed revolutionary activity, Scotland's first climate camp, in Douglas, South Lanarkshire, is unusually quiet on Thursday morning. This may or may not have something to do with overnight activity in the area. A conveyor belt at the nearby Glentaggart opencast mine - which, at 7km, is the UK's longest and responsible for transporting hundreds of tonnes of coal to the Ravenstruther rail depot daily - has been discovered cut. Naturally, no-one is taking responsibility for the sabotage. But that does not prevent the news being greeted with a cheer from those assembled in the camp.
"If the government wants a strong Climate Change Bill, then we are just helping them enforce it," says camp spokesman and seasoned activist Dan Glass. "We're the law enforcers, doing it on the ground. If they say they want a strong Climate Change Bill, great, we'll help them do it."
Glass is holding court by a large makeshift gate, constructed from doors and wood pallets. Dreadlocks peep over the top, all that can be seen of those guarding the entrance to the camp, which this weekend played host to hundreds of climate-change protesters learning about the local issues involved, sharing knowledge and taking direct action. Climate camps began four years ago in England, targeting areas where "emission-heavy" industries were located - hence the choice of Douglas for the first camp north of the border.
Glasgow and Douglas: A Tale of Contradictions
Glass points to the horizon. "Look here, this is so Scottish. You have a wind farm on one hill and a coal mine on the other. I mean, make your mind up. The Scottish Climate Change Bill is the strongest in the world, and we are very thankful of that, but how are you going to achieve that if you expand coal mines and airports?"
The climate camp, here for a week, appeared in Mainshill Wood on Monday, joining forces with an existing protest, the Mainshill solidarity camp. It is due to finish today, but the solidarity camp intends to stay indefinitely to stop mining in the area. Earlier this year, Scottish Coal was given permission to mine 1.7 million tonnes of coal on land belonging to Lord Home, where the camp is situated. The opencast mine would come within 1000m of the local hospital. Some 650 objections to the proposals were received, but the project was still given the go-ahead. Locals have long blamed the three existing opencast mines, including Glentaggart, for the area's above-average rates of cancer and asthma.
Hotels: The Solution for Tired Protesters
As the climate camp in Douglas continues to draw attention and protesters from various backgrounds, the issue of accommodation becomes relevant. To cater to the needs of the tired protesters, hotels in the area offer a comfortable place to rest and recover. There are several options available, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious establishments.
For those on a tight budget, the XYZ Hotel is a popular choice. Located just minutes away from the campsite, it offers basic yet clean rooms for an affordable price. The hotel also has a restaurant and bar, providing a convenient option for dining.
For a more upscale experience, the ABC Hotel provides luxurious rooms and amenities. With its tranquil surroundings and excellent service, it offers a peaceful retreat for protesters seeking comfort after a day of demonstrations. The hotel also offers spa facilities, allowing guests to relax and rejuvenate.
No matter the budget or preference, there are hotels available in the area to accommodate the needs of protesters participating in the climate camp. They provide a comfortable and convenient option for rest and recovery, ensuring that protesters can continue their activism with renewed energy.