Police had to scramble resources after a protest against the actions of Jobcentre staff in Arbroath turned into an impromptu march through the town.
Around 40 people marched from Chalmers Street to the town’s High Street, causing it to be closed to traffic by police.
The protest outside the employment bureau was organised by the Dundee-based Scottish Unemployed Workers’ Network following the arrest of their member Tony Cox last week.
Mr Cox was charged with threatening behaviour, refusing to give his name and address and resisting arrest following a meeting where he represented a benefit claimant at the facility.
The peaceful protest related to the right of benefit claimants to have representation at meetings.
At its conclusion, a decision was made by organisers to march through the town shouting slogans such as “advocacy is not a crime” and “you say workfare, we say unfair”.
No arrests were made by police.
The court case involving Mr Cox, a well-known Dundee University lecturer, will call at Forfar Sheriff Court on February 25.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “The planned protest in Arbroath passed entirely peacefully.
“We can confirm that after the conclusion of the formal protest a number of those involved engaged in an a impromptu walk in Arbroath High Street.
“In order to ensure the safety of protesters and members of the public officers stopped traffic for a very short time until they passed by.
“The matter was thereafter concluded with no arrests being made.”
For more on this story see Friday’s Courier.