Police say Waverley Bridge is shut because of trouble, Sean Clarke calls in from Spud-u-Like. I see Princes Mall pulling down the shutters.
I call Lothian and Borders police. A spokeswoman tells me: "There's always been a bit of a question mark about this protest. The organisers haven't been in touch with us, in contrast to Saturday's Make Poverty History march and Stop the War yesterday."
Hang on, now Princes Mall is reopening. Blimey, it's like anarchy out there.
5pm update: The anarchists have not brought an end to the iniquitous capitalist system. I spoke again to the police just now and there has still only been one arrest in connection with the demonstration, despite missiles being thrown and the odd scuffle.
Police are guarding the entrance to posh hotels, banks, chain stores and other citadels of imperialist oppression. The odd gaggle of bestudded crusties who are not facing off the line of wage-enslaved riot police on Princes Street are roaming the streets. But rather than going on the rampage, they seem to be indulging in a spot of light consumer activity in the hippy boutiques of Cockburn Street.
