Fred Grant: "Overwhelming" support

Fred Grant, of hauliers A and F Grant, said the Highland convoy had swelled to about 20 vehicles by the time it reached Inverness, which he described as "an excellent turnout".

Grampian Police estimated that about 80 vehicles made up the group which left Inverurie - including one Reliant Robin.

Mr Grant said: "It's been absolutely overwhelming.

"The public all came out, not just the hauliers, not just the farmers, the public all came out.

"200 cars going round in the procession round the outskirts of Perth there. Absolutely amazing. Just couldn't believe the support.

Dundee City Council refused permission

"We started off at John O'Groats and coming through Wick the people were out there to wave, early in the morning, just after 0700, it was raining, tremendous.

"All the way down, waving flags, just tremendous."

The convoy had to be broken up as it travelled through Dundee.

Dundee City Council had refused the convoy permission to drive along the A90 Kingsway in one large group.

Legal action on Monday morning failed to overturn that decision and the convoy was broken into smaller groups.

Delays 'inevitable'

The leaders of the demonstration said they did not plan to disrupt traffic, but police have warned motorists to expect traffic problems along the route.

In a statement, the Association of Chief Police Officers said: "It is inevitable that some delays to other traffic will occur and motorists who are in any doubt are advised to avoid travelling in the same direction as the protesters.

"Drivers in the protests will be strongly advised not to drive slower than prevailing traffic."

Robbie Burns: "Strong support"

Haulier Robbie Burns said: "Scotland is different from England because there's more rural areas and people are still concerned about fuel costs.

"I realise the government is in a difficult situation - we know exactly what goes on but we're just trying to get a living.

"We're just trying to keep the pressure up and hope that Mr Brown is aware of the situation. That's what we're about."

But Jim Walker, president of the National Farmers Union Scotland, has warned that the protests could damage public support for their cause.

STUC general secretary Bill Speirs also urged Scottish lorry owners to think again about their involvement in the Edinburgh rally.

Phil Flanders, Scottish director of the Road Haulage Association, said his members would not be taking part.