400 in capital 'street party'

The protesters marched down the Mound

About 400 people have taken part in a demonstration organised by the Reclaim the Streets organisation.

The protesters marched as part of a week of demonstrations against capitalism in Edinburgh and other financial centres.

Some demonstrators later attempted a sit-down protest near the Scott Monument on Princes Street and there were two arrests.

Reclaim the Streets said the event was nothing more than an impromptu street party, although Lothian and Borders Police said they had been prepared for any eventuality.

The group converged on the High Street

Recent protests around the world by groups claiming to be demonstrating against capitalism have turned violent.

Reclaim the Streets campaigners believe in direct action on social, economic and ecological matters.

They encouraged participants to put on fancy dress and to bring musical instruments, refreshments and banners.

RTS had hoped thousands of people would converge on the capital, meeting first at Festival Square or Bristo Square before moving on the take over "selected streets" in the city centre.

They chose 14 July because it is the anniversary of the French Revolution - but instead of a revolution, they said they wanted to hold a carnival.

This will be the fifth year that such an event has taken place.

Lothian and Borders Police said that, from past experience, they were prepared to respond to any situation but were hoping for a peaceful afternoon.

Public inconvenience

A police spokeswoman said: "We usually work with organisers of demonstrations so that they can make their protest while limiting inconvenience to the public.

"This protest is being staged without discussing the arrangements with us but we will have appropriate arrangements in place to deal with anything which interrupts the life of the city."

Motoring organisations warned drivers to keep out of central Edinburgh, while some local businesses increased security for the day.