By Thomas McGuigan BBC News Online Scotland

They descended on Glasgow Green - people of different nationalities, ages and backgrounds.

But the anti-war protesters were united by a single message as they aimed to tell political leaders that military action was "not in our name".

While the prime minister took to the podium a few miles away at the SECC, families, pensioners, politicians and firefighters converged on the Green.

The cold, crisp morning numbed cheeks and fingers, yet the heat of opposition to military action against Iraq burned among the thousands who gathered for the Scottish Coalition for Justice not War march.

Marchers wanted their voices to be heard

"Arms R 4 Hugging," said one banner.

As the crowds gathered and others snaked their way through the streets in time for the 1100 GMT start, there was a surreal quiet save for the helicopter droning overhead.

Everyone said the same thing, whether to Tony Blair, George Bush or Hans Blix - "no war, please and uphold democracy".

Anne Connolly, speaking over the dull thud, thud of a drum near one of the parked buses, said she was anxious about the future.

'Wishes of the people'

She said: "I'm here on my own today, but I won't be lonely because people here share my concerns.

"The latest (arms) report is a sign of hope and today we are all marching for democracy.

"Tony Blair must guard against ignoring the wishes of the people."

"Not in my name" was a common theme

Sporting a lampshade with "switch on to peace" she said weapon inspectors should be given more time.

Further down the line of marchers readying themselves for the start, Susan and Megan Donnelly said the government must address concerns.

Eight-year-old Megan said she believed there would be more than 500 people there.

Military action

Her mum said innocent lives would be lost if military action was given the thumbs up by the prime minister and George Bush.

Tom Johnston, a Church of Scotland minister, said it was good to see ordinary people turning out.

Asked about the march's plan to make as much noise as possible by "bringing down the walls of Jericho," he laughed.

"God brings down the walls of Jericho, not me."

As the clock ticked towards 1100 GMT and the temperature rose to a more acceptable level, the numbers swelled and the drums grew louder.

"God brings down the walls of Jericho, not me"

A few whistles, horns and chants later, the march was under way.

One marcher said the main reason for him attending was to protest at the lack of consultation.

"When does policy stop and drift into dictatorship?" he asked.

Another leaned over to add: "Why do this now?

"Why was this action not taken 12 years ago? It does little to dispel cynicism and it's all about oil."

Ring of steel

He complained no one had asked him about war, saying: "that is why it's not in my name".

The march snaked its way through the streets towards the SECC on the banks of the River Clyde.

A ring of luminous steel thronged the building as police guarded the conference.

Crowds gathered around the red bus which was acting as a makeshift stage.

John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance" rang out over the PA system before those giving speeches rose to their feet.

Speeches were made outside the SECC

Glasgow Lord Provost Alex Mosson, the first speaker, said the "overwhelming majority" opposed war.

More speeches followed and at 1410 GMT the "Jericho Rumpus" began.

A wall of noise followed and everyone seemed to turn full circle away from the bus and direct their ire toward the SECC.

Drums, horns, whistles and chants of "No to War" rippled through the crowd.

White balloon

It lasted for a few minutes as the MC tried to gain control with increasingly strained cries of "the speeches will now continue, the speeches..."

She grabbed everyone's attention by saying more than 97,000 people had taken part in the march. Thunderous applause followed.

Marchers sang "We Shall Overcome" as the police looked on.

At that point a solitary white balloon drifted into the blue sky.