A document, which came into the possession of the Lochaber News this week, outlines plans by the group – famous for its high profile stunts – to target the Nevis Range ski resort, on the outskirts of Fort William next Wednesday, which is St George's Day.

The document, which police believe is genuine, states there will be "a significant protest" involving "four brave Fathers 4 Justice activists invading Scotland to conquer one of Scotland's highest mountains, Aonach Mor".

It also states that the dress code for protesters will be St George and English flags.

The main aim of participants, according to the memo, is to "get on the building and stop the gondola working and disrupt the day".

A group member's intention to paint an English flag on the side of the mountain is also referred to, including a request for a harness and red paint.

There is also confirmation that an activist or activists, apparently set to arrive in the Fort William area on Sunday, have a banner emblazoned with the words "don't trust Gordon Jock Brown with your kids".

It appears that the protest is linked to the local elections south of the border. The founder of Fathers 4 Justice, Matt O'Connor, is standing in the Mayoral election for the English Democrats, while another leading member of the group is a candidate for the London Assembly.

The leaked document states: "Remember, we MUST NOT appear racist and we support both English and Scottish independence and the English Democrat Mayoral campaign team support our efforts."

The author of the memo also urges support through "friends, children, whistles, English flags, loudhailers, air horns and loose change".

Yesterday (Wednesday) Northern Constabulary's Lochaber area commander, Chief Inspector John Chisholm, told the LN he and his force was treating the matter "very seriously".

He said: "I've been advised of this threat to cause disruption to the Nevis Range complex and would earnestly urge anyone contemplating such a course of action not to do so.

"In the event of any complaints from the public or indeed evidence of criminality, Northern Constabulary will respond and will lock up any persons who are found to be in breach of the criminal law.

"We're taking this very seriously. We will liaise with other police forces in the country and continue to monitor the situation closely.

"Clearly an exposed mountainside in potentially inclement conditions is nowhere to be acting in a foolhardy manner.

"Any threat to public safety or the peace will be dealt with accordingly."

A spokeswoman for Nevis Range told the LN: "We have been made aware of plans to hold a protest at Nevis Range. We are particularly anxious about the impact this could have on the safety of our visitors, our staff and the protesters.

"We will be liaising closely, and co-operating fully, with the Northern Constabulary."

Fathers 4 Justice was officially formed in 2003 as a civil rights group to champion the cause of equal parenting, family law reform and equal contact for divorced parents with children.

Initially the group targeted the homes of family court judges and family lawyers' homes and offices with traditional protests.

Members of the group have also pulled off a number of dramatic protest stunts in recent years, often dressed as comic book superheroes.

Public buildings, bridges and monuments have been scaled, while "Batman" activists managed to get on to the balcony of Buckingham Palace and the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Then, following a hiatus during which a breakaway group emerged, Fathers 4 Justice protesters interrupted a live BBC screening of the National Lottery Draw.

In 2007 the group held a mass protest on Father's Day, June 15.

Calls by the LN to the Father's 4 Justice media enquiries line were not returned as we went to press yesterday afternoon (Wednesday).

s.taylor@lochaber-news.co.uk

Are aggrieved fathers right to carry out disruptive protests to highlight their case? Have your say in The Big Vote.

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