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Scottish independence supporters gather for Edinburgh march Thousands attend Scottish independence march in Edinburgh
(about 5 hours later)
Supporters of Scottish independence are gathering to march in Edinburgh as organisers insist momentum is growing in the face of a possible no-deal Brexit. Thousands of people have attended a pro-Scottish independence march through the streets of Edinburgh as organisers insist momentum is growing in the face of a possible no-deal Brexit.
All Under One Banner said they were expecting hundreds of thousands of people to take part in the final event of the year, following marches in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Perth over the summer. Groups and organisations that support separation from the UK joined the All Under One Banner (AUOB) procession on Saturday in the final event of the year, following marches in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Perth over the summer.
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Saturday’s march was due to begin at Holyrood Park at 1pm and end in the Meadows, causing a series of road closures in the centre of the capital. AUOB hoped to get at least 100,000 people to take part in the rally.
An Edinburgh city council spokesperson said: “The safety of the public is of utmost importance to the council and we have worked closely with organisers, Police Scotland and other partners to agree a route and conditions for this march which aim to ensure its smooth passage through the city.” The march began at Holyrood Park and was expected to end in the Meadows, causing a series of road closures in the city centre of the capital.
Police Scotland said: “A comprehensive policing plan is in place and we continue to liaise with the organisers, and the event will be policed appropriately.” Bands, bikers, dogs, people in fancy dress and countless Saltire flags were all part of the rally with demonstrators chanting “What do we want? Independence.”
Gemma MacFadyen, 34, from Edinburgh was among those at the rally and has backed Scottish independence since she was a child.
She said: “To be honest, after the last referendum I was a bit deflated and disenfranchised and I was not going to be taking part any more.
“But recently after a trip to the west coast of Scotland I’ve been re-inspired - so I’m here today.”
AUOB’s rally through Edinburgh in October last year was estimated by organisers to have attracted more than 100,000 people, although Police Scotland put the attendance figure to about 20,000.
Harry Baird, 19, an 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.”
Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, did not join the event but said she was there “in spirit”.
Scottish independenceScottish independence
EdinburghEdinburgh
Scottish politicsScottish politics
ScotlandScotland
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