The demonstration was small but it was perfectly formed; what it lacked in size, it made up for in the eloquence of its arguments. A select group of students, gathered in the Church Square of St Andrews, was making clear its opposition to the G20 summit of finance ministers, which will descend on the university town this weekend.

They debated the “democratic deficit” created by a group of the 20 most powerful nations deciding the future of the world. They questioned their commitment to climate change. They challenged their agenda, and mocked their assumptions. Even the banners were ironical. “Nature Doesn’t Do Bailouts,” read one. “IMF Is The Problem Not The Solution”. “Be Realistic, Demand The Impossible”, and “Down With Kleptocracy”.

Standing in the icy rain, Colleen Roberts, 21, a third year international relations student from Wrexham, said that she was not surprised by the low numbers. “This is St Andrews,” she said. “We don’t have a very proactive student body. However, it’s not just a reflection of St Andrews but of society in general. This is why we are stuck in a crisis — because people aren’t making themselves heard and haven’t been for years.”

Amanda Murray, 21, in the second year of a modern history and theology degree, said that the event was “always intended as a build up” for today, when there will be a march and rally in St Andrews, organised by the Put People First movement.

Mary Andes, 22, a fourth year international relations student from Pennsylvania, said that the G20 was undemocratic. “I think they feel they represent the entire world and they don’t.” She also said that the group was concentrating on the wrong issues — the economy rather than the Israel-Palestine conflict or the war in Afghanistan.

Three miles down the road delegates to the G20 meeting were beginning to arrive at the Fairmont Hotel. They were greeted by a tight security regime that saw cars rigorously searched and visitors guided through X-ray machines. The hotel is surrounded by a golf course, so it was perhaps inevitable that officers used golf carts to get about, zipping between the sniffer dogs.

Some of the protesters believed that it had been a “strategic decision” to choose St Andrews as the location for the summit because as well as its fame as the birthplace of golf, it is well removed from main roads and is relatively difficult to get to.

As far as the locals are concerned, the world’s finance ministers and central bankers could be meeting on another continent, so little impact have they made on the town. Mention of the event drew nonplussed looks from many residents.

David King, 55, who had parked his window cleaning van in the town, said: “I only found out about it on the television last night, although I have noticed lots of unmarked police cars around town today.”

A group of locals watched the scene with some amusement. “At least they have something to do in St Andrews for a change,” said Dawn McGilly, 40. “They can shout about stuff all they want but nothing gets changed as long as governments are in control.”

Andrea Martin, 24, said that she had hoped “things would get better” when Gordon Brown became Prime Minister. Her expression told that she did not believe this had been the case. The group shared the students’ mistrust of politicians, but spoke of their struggles to survive. “I work full-time and I still have no money.” said Miss Martin.

As the rain came down, it combined with the mist to almost to hide the hotel. It was as if the summit was not there — as some in St Andrews believed might as well be the case.

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