Bob Geldof dismissed those involved in yesterday's violent protests in Edinburgh as "idiots" as he set off for the Scottish capital today en route to a guest appearance at the G8 summit and Scotland's own Live 8 concert tomorrow.

"It was just stupid and unnecessary and to be condemned. That won't affect the decisions of eight men," said Geldof, calling yesterday's scenes "scuffles" compared to the extreme suffering that exists in poor African countries.

Geldof drew a sharp contrast between the 1,000 or so protesters who fought running battles with police in the centre of Edinburgh yesterday and the Make Poverty History campaign, of which he is a part.

He said: "We are there for something as opposed to being there for nothing at all. We are there to see a different G8, to see something actually achieved for people who can’t even countenance violence unless it is visited upon them. We are there in peace. We are really, really, really not interested in that stuff at all."

Geldof also reacted with anger to Gordon Brown's statement earlier today in which the Chancellor warned the organisers of Live 8 that they would probably be disappointed by the outcome of the three-day G8 summit.

"I’m not prepared to be disappointed. I don’t think that is an option," he said. "I don’t think the Chancellor should try lowering the bar at this stage. We have come for victory."

"It has to happen now. Not to do it now would be grotesquely irresponsible. It is unacceptable for politicians to say ’prepare to be disappointed’."

Geldof, fresh from the success of the global Live 8 concerts on Saturday, was speaking as he boarded a special train at Euston with a group of Hollywood celebrities and anti-poverty campaigners from France, Georgia, Ghana, Mali, Sierra Leone and the UK.

Among those appearing at the Live 8 concert at Murrayfield tomorrow night are George Clooney, the Hollywood actor,

As Geldof's train pulls into Edinburgh Waverley station, just yards from where determined protesters showered riot police with bricks, stones and park benches on Monday, Edinburgh Sheriff's Court will be completing a long day of charging yesterday's anarchist rioters.

Sixty-one anti-G8 protesters were expected to appear in court today, charged with a variety of public order offences, including breaching the peace and recklessly throwing missiles.

Twenty people, including six police officers, were injured in yesterday's long exchange of attacks and baton charges, which broke out after a "Carnival For Full Enjoyment", which the police called a cover for a plan to cause "as much disruption as possible".

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Postmen: We bind the nation together
• Tewkesbury: when the memories flood back
• Cast Offs actress: I’m happy that my face fits