A ten-day occupation of the University of Edinburgh's Appleton Tower came to an end at midnight last night - marked by a celebratory snowball fight in Bristo Square.
The snowball celebration was reminiscent of the group's demonstration at the Scottish parliament on Tuesday. It also summed up some of their key stances, which was to remain "leaderless, unquantifiable and chaotic."
The group's members say they will continue to protest against plans to increase tuition fees. They are already rallying fellow students for another day of action to coincide with the parliamentary vote on the Tuition Fees Bill next week.
In a statement last night the group thanked locals who supported them, including university staff and the Mosque Kitchen for providing regular free meals.
They said:
"At midnight tonight, the current occupation of Appleton Tower will come to an end. We are pleased to announce that we will leave of our own free will, not defeated but triumphant.
"Our decision to leave was a difficult one, motivated by our own particular situation. To remain in Appleton Tower beyond 9am on Friday would have disrupted next week's exams and we all have exams of our own to prepare for. We have publicised our cause to the entire country and have forced the university to clarify their own position on the proposed education cuts.
"Finally, we have demonstrated the strength and unity of our movement, and solidified our resolve to continue campaigning and protesting. We continue to stand in solidarity with the ongoing occupations across the UK, and indeed the entire world.
"We would like to express our extreme gratitude towards all of those who have supported us throughout the occupation, whether through material contributions or messages of solidarity. In particular we would like to thank the Mosque Kitchen, who provided us with a number of delicious meals totally free of charge. Also we would like to acknowledge the patience and goodwill shown by the staff and students of Appleton Tower.
"When we first occupied, only two other universities had done the same; now there are nearly twenty. This fight has only just begun, and we call on all of those affected, students, workers and unemployed alike, to take to the streets and make themselves heard!"
They are now urging supporters to march on Wednesday, meeting in Bristo Square at 11.45am.
What do you think of the protest? Was it effective? Have your say below.
