TRONGATE is closed to all eastbound traffic between Albion Street and High Street amid a protest.

Drivers heading for the area are being advised to consider alternate routes and expect congestion on surrounding streets.

Trongate is open to westbound traffic.

Extinction Rebellion is behind the protest and has blocked the route with a giant purple boat.

The group is protesting in cities across the UK and said it will begin a week-long "summer uprising" in Glasgow, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds and London.

The fleet of boats are different colours, and similar to the pink boat that occupied Oxford Circus during International Rebellion in April.

Dougie Graham, 39, media coordinator for a Glasgow-based charity and Extinction Rebellion Scotland activist said: "Climate breakdown has already begun with those hit first and hardest often the poorest and therefore least able to adapt. We are currently accepting a path where millions will be displaced or die. By not acting, we are collectively complicit in this.

READ MORE: University of Glasgow declares climate emergency

"We are also not immune to the effects of climate breakdown. We either change direction or it gets changed for us. How severe this change will be depends on our actions now. We have the technology and capability to make the change we need now. To carry on as 'business as usual' is madness - we must act now."

Children and their families from the Wee Rebellion will also be joining the protest, with face painting, pavement chalk and themed games.

The day will see live musical performances from Dimetrip, Sev Ka, Gary Glitcher, Johnny Cypher, Glasgadelic, Chatonda Ridley, Lindsey McGhir, T33TH, Sentrix, the ceilidh band The Five Points, and a samba band.

Police Scotland said it is aware of climate change demonstrations taking place in Glasgow. 

A force spokeswoman added: “We acknowledge the right of people to protest and a comprehensive and proportionate policing plan will be in place to facilitate legitimate action and ensure any disruption to the local community is kept to a minimum.”

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Extinction Rebellion said in a statement on social media: “Extinction Rebellion Scotland have installed a 25ft purple boat in Glasgow city centre as part of the #SummerUprising.

“The boat is blocking the intersection of Glasgow's Gallowgate and High Street, by the Merchant City clocktower. It bears the demand ACT NOW to the UK government on one side and THE FUTURE YOU FEAR IS ALREADY HERE on the other, to raise awareness of the plight of climate refugees displaced by famine, drought, extreme weather and conflicts caused by ecological crisis. 

“As four other UK cities unveil their boats and begin their uprising, we are gathering and around the boat and intend to be here for the rest of the day - come on down for live music, speeches, ceilidh, song and games with Wee Rebellion.”