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Scottish independence: Thousands march in support of Scottish independence | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Thousands of people are marching through Edinburgh in support of Scottish independence. | |
Waving flags and carrying banners, they are walking from Holyrood Park to a rally in The Meadows. | |
Joanna Cherry, the SNP MP who led the legal fight against Boris Johnson's decision to suspend parliament, is among those who will address the rally. | Joanna Cherry, the SNP MP who led the legal fight against Boris Johnson's decision to suspend parliament, is among those who will address the rally. |
Earlier Nicola Sturgeon tweeted to say she would be at the march "in spirit" but not in person. | |
"Be in no doubt - independence is coming," she added. | |
Organisers All Under One Banner said they expected more than 100,000 people to take part. | |
They are following Queens Drive, Horse Wynd, Canongate, High Street, Lawnmarket, George IV bridge, Forrest Road and Middle Meadow Walk. | |
Harry Baird, 19, was among those taking part. He said he wanted to join what he believed would be the biggest rally in the country's history. | |
The apprentice marine engineer from Orkney said: "There's a lot more than I thought I would see, to be honest. | |
"[I want] more radical and instant Scottish independence. | |
"Any change from what it is now would be worth it." | |
Gemma MacFadyen has backed Scottish independence since she was a child. The 34-year-old from Edinburgh said: "I'm here to support the cause for independence. | |
"To be honest, after the last referendum I was a bit deflated and disenfranchised and I was not going to be taking part anymore." | |
However, she said a recent trip to the west coast of Scotland "re-inspired" her, and so she decided to join Saturday's march. | |
She continued: "I've not really been caught up in the whole Brexit debate, I'm not bothered about that. | |
"But I am for another independence referendum, as soon as possible - it should've been ages ago." | |
All Under One Banner is a movement bringing together supporters of Scottish independence. | All Under One Banner is a movement bringing together supporters of Scottish independence. |
They said about 100,000 were at a similar event in the capital last year but an official estimate by City of Edinburgh Council put crowd numbers at 20,000. | |
Since forming in 2014, it has held events in towns and cities across the country. | Since forming in 2014, it has held events in towns and cities across the country. |
City centre roads in Edinburgh are closed to accommodate the event. | City centre roads in Edinburgh are closed to accommodate the event. |
Supporters were scheduled to leave Holyrood Park at about 13:00 before taking a route of about 1.8 miles (3km) to The Meadows. | Supporters were scheduled to leave Holyrood Park at about 13:00 before taking a route of about 1.8 miles (3km) to The Meadows. |
A number of high-profile supporters of Scottish independence have been lined up to speak at the rally. | A number of high-profile supporters of Scottish independence have been lined up to speak at the rally. |
As well as Ms Cherry, they include comedian Janey Godley, broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli, and ex-MSP Tommy Sheridan. | As well as Ms Cherry, they include comedian Janey Godley, broadcaster Hardeep Singh Kohli, and ex-MSP Tommy Sheridan. |