Two protestors have glued themselves to a painting at a Scots art gallery as they call for the government to end new oil and gas.
Supporters of Just Stop Oil are currently in attendance at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.
Three protestors have spray painted '#just stop oil' around the premises while two glued themselves to the frame of a painting. It is understood police are currently in attendance.
Protestors say they have taken action because art institutions are failing to challenge the government's plans on new oil and gas. Two are currently attached to a 19th century landscape painting by Horatio McCulloch called ‘My Heart’s in the Highlands’.
The painting was chosen by protestors as it was painted in 1860 at the height of the highland clearances when crofting communities were evicted by new landlords.
Just Stop Oil supporters say that the public must resist together to fight oil and gas companies, learning from the history of Scottish crofters.
Protestor Emma Brown, 30, a graduate from Glasgow School of Art said: "I'm taking this action because art is about telling the truth and connecting to our deepest emotions. But right now, when we need them most – art institutions are failing us.
"They seem to think it’s enough to put on an exhibition about climate change rather than challenge the government’s genocidal plans to allow new oil and gas. This is unacceptable, it’s not enough to be informed as citizens, we need to be active.
“If you are more angry about the action than about mothers dying of heat stroke in India leaving orphaned babies crying for breastmilk, or about the millions of families in the UK struggling to buy food because of fossil fuel profiteering by the rich then you need to get your priorities straight.
"What is more priceless? This piece of art or your children’s life? There can be no new fossil fuel projects, it’s insanity and greed.”
While Glasgow School of Art student Hannah Torrance Bright, 20, said: "We hold these works of art sacred, but what is more sacred than life itself? You should be outraged at this action – I’m outraged because I feel I have no choice but to resist the government’s genocidal plans.
"Imagine how outraged you’ll feel when your loved ones are dying in extreme weather events while the government continues to protect oil companies rather than its citizens. So feel outraged, and then take action. We cannot stand by.”
And Carmen Lean, 28 , a Glasgow architecture student added: "I urge anybody listening, including public institutions, professional bodies, and concerned citizens to step up and play your part. Now is not the time for complacency. Civil disobedience is scary but it is the only sane thing to do and you won’t regret it.”
The protest comes as the UK Climate Change Committee, the government’s independent advisory body on climate policy, released its 2022 progress report to parliament.
The report found "major failures in delivery programmes towards the achievement of the UK’s climate goals”.
Photographs show that protestors have now been arrested.
Police Scotland have been contacted for comment.
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