CAMPAIGNERS took a tractor through some of Scotland's busiest streets yesterday in protest against the creation of a Muslim cemetery on the outskirts of a conservation village.

More than 1000 people had signed the petition against the burial ground which would consume 31 acres of green-belt land around Carmunnock, just six miles south of Glasgow city centre, effectively ending its status as a distinct village.

Protest leaders said the stunt with the tractor, which parked up outside the City Chambers for over an hour yesterday morning, was to highlight the impact of development on green belt land.

About 60 people, mainly mothers and young children, took part in the protest, with the petition handed over to a representative of Lord Provost Bob Winter.

Following the handover of their objections, campaign leaders again repeated their stance that they "respect and support the Muslim community's need to have a cemetery in the Glasgow area" and that this may even be found within Carmunnock. But they claim the need for an Islamic cemetery should not be at the expense of green belt and Carmunnock's village heritage.

Spokeswoman Tracey Crawford said: "Of course a cemetery would be prettier than housing or industrial development but if you build on this land you end Carmunnock's village status.

"The Muslim community say they have been offered no alternatives by Glasgow City Council. There is room alongside the current Carmunnock cemetery which we've no problem about being used.

"The protest at the City Chambers was to highlight the impact of development on village life. We thought a tractor in the city centre would focus some minds on how ridiculous this is."

Muslim leaders, including new Muslim Council for Scotland head Bashir Mann, have also continued to insist the land will remain green and picturesque.