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Scottish independence: Thousands march in support of Scottish independence | Scottish independence: Thousands march in support of Scottish independence |
(32 minutes later) | |
Thousands of people have marched through Edinburgh in support of Scottish independence. | |
Waving flags and carrying banners, they walked 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 addressing the rally. | |
Earlier Nicola Sturgeon tweeted to say she would be at the march "in spirit" but not in person. | 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. | "Be in no doubt - independence is coming," she added. |
Organisers All Under One Banner said more than 200,000 people were taking part in the march. | |
Police Scotland said they were unable to put an estimate on the number of marchers. | |
The organisers 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. | |
Gary Kelly, of All Under One Banner, said: "It's buzzing - the rain may be on but the people are not deterred. | |
"Our appetite for independence is still alive." | |
The route ran along Queens Drive, Horse Wynd, Canongate, High Street, Lawnmarket, George IV bridge, Forrest Road and Middle Meadow Walk. | |
Bands, bikers, dogs, people in fancy dress and countless Saltire flags were all part of the rally towards the Meadows. | |
Chants of "What do we want? Independence" could be heard as marches made their way up the Royal Mile. | |
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. | 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. | 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. | "[I want] more radical and instant Scottish independence. |
"Any change from what it is now would be worth it." | "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. | 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." | "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. | 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. | 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." | "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. |
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. |