Pupils stage a symbolic protest

The youngsters, from schools throughout the capital, converged on Princes Street for the lunchtime protest.

They were addressed by broadcaster and activist Mark Thomas and Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) leader Tommy Sheridan.

At 1300 GMT, as the traditional gun blast sounded from Edinburgh Castle, the youngsters lay down in the middle of the road in what they described as a "die-in".

I think your actions today prove loud and clear that the young people of this country care about what is done in their name Tommy Sheridan SSP leader

Police say about 2,000 pupils took part in the protest.

Many of the youngsters were carrying banners and placards.

Mr Thomas called for a minute's silence for all the Iraqi civilians who may be hurt during the conflict.

"People are now facing the prospect of being killed and maimed in an illegal, immoral, illogical war," he said.

Tommy Sheridan told the crowd that they should be "proud" of their actions.

And he rejected claims from some quarters, including Tory education spokesman Brian Monteith, that the protest was "irresponsible".

He said: "Not only do I not think that your actions are irresponsible, I think your actions today prove loud and clear that the young people of this country care about what is done in their name.

If they wish to protest about this issue then they should do so in their own free time, not while they should be at school Brian Monteith Tory education spokesman

"Those who are irresponsible are Tony Blair and George Bush and the other politicians who are going to support the invasion of a country with 3,000 bombs and missiles in the space of 48 hours."

However, Mr Monteith attacked Mr Sheridan for encouraging the youngsters to walk out of their classrooms.

He said: "School pupils are perfectly entitled to their views, but if they wish to protest about this issue then they should do so in their own free time, not while they should be at school.

"Instead of organising such protests, Mr Sheridan may be better served encouraging his followers to give their support to the dedicated men and women of the armed services."

About 1,000 protesters, mostly schoolchildren, also gathered outside the Scottish Parliament building on The Mound before heading off towards the American Consulate.

Active citizenship

In Glasgow, more than 100 young people staged a sit-down in George Square before marching to an anti-war rally outside the Labour Party headquarters.

Glasgow City Council said it was "totally irresponsible" for any group to encourage school pupils to walk out during classtime.

Scotland's largest teaching union, the EIS, said there was a balance to be struck when it came to children taking part in protests.

General secretary Ronnie Smith acknowledged that pupils were in the care of the school.

He said they were also being taught about active citizenship and that taking part in the democratic right to protest was a learning process.