MORE than 1000 doctors will hold a rally in the centre of Glasgow tomorrow, despite being forced to cancel a protest march.

Doctors from across Scotland and the north of England are speaking out against NHS recruitment policies they say prevent "the right doctor getting the right job".

But organisers say they were told to call off a march to the Western Infirmary, planned to coincide with a national demonstration in London, because police can't spare the staff.

However, police deny they were approached about any march.

Kevin Cormack, one of the organisers, said: "It is unfortunate but the rally will still go ahead.

"We are likely to see more than 1000 people, with doctors coming from all over Scotland as well as the Manchester and Newcastle areas."

The rally in George Square from 10.30am has been organised by pressure group RemedyUK which wants controversial new recruitment policies scrapped.

Mr Cormack, a trainee pediatrician said: "We can no longer apply for the post we want, where we want it. In theory doctors can be sent anywhere in Scotland to train.

"It's an impossible position for junior doctors with families."

The rally will go ahead with invited speakers who include SNP health spokeswoman Shona Robison and Jean Turner, the former GP elected on a Save Stobhill ticket in 2003.

Tomorrow morning Candleriggs will host a St Patrick's Day parade organised by the Irish Cultural Association, and the afternoon will see Rangers take on Aberdeen at Ibrox.

A police spokesman said: "Police do not refuse permission for marches but all applications have to be made to the city council.

No application through official channels has been received."