Several Scottish politicians were arrested today during a protest outside Faslane naval base on the Clyde.

SSP MSPs Carolyn Leckie, Rosie Kane and Frances Curran were held as the cross-party political protest against weapons of mass destruction began.

The arrested group of nine - seven women and two men - including the MSPs, a European MEP, a Welsh Assembly representative and a Dutch MP had tried to lock themselves together at the entrance to the nuclear submarine base.

They were among around 30 politicians joining protesters who are staging a year-long demonstration at the site.

SNP depute leader Nicola Sturgeon MSP, SSP national convener Colin Fox as well as other SNP, Green MSPs and Welsh Assembly members were at the demo today.

Police moved in just after 11am to make the arrests.

Politicians from all parties have criticised plans announced by Prime Minister Tony Blair late last year to upgrade the Trident nuclear weapons system at a cost of more than £20billion.

One sole Labour MSP was present, North East Scotland representative Marilyn Glen, who was joined by her Westminster Labour MP colleague Harry Cohen.

Ms Sturgeon reiterated her party's pledge to do everything it could to stop the renewal of the nuclear weapons if elected as the majority party at this May's Holyrood elections.

"We will do what we can to stop this happening," she said.