FOR some it will be a chance to mark history as it takes place on the 704th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. For others it will be an opportunity to come together and share the Yes camaraderie which is developing all over Scotland.
For still more it will be the prospect of a second independence referendum which will inspire them to get on their marching shoes.
For everyone who takes part, however, there may be all of these reasons and many more but there will be one overriding aim – independence for our country.
Today at Stirling a gathering of pro-independence supporters expected to be in five figures will march from King’s Park in the city to Bannockburn Field for a rally near to the monument to King Robert the Bruce who led the Scottish army to victory over King Edward II and the might of England’s forces on June 23-24, 1314.
The latest All Under One Banner (AUOB) March for Independence follows the successful events which saw 60,000 participate in Glasgow on May 5 and a further 10,000 march through Dumfries on June 2.
After several talks between Stirling Council, Police Scotland and AUOB a route for the march has been finalised, and it’s fair to say that AUOB are far from satisfied as they feel the route could disadvantage people in wheelchairs in particular.
Here is the definite route: Marchers are asked to gather at King’s Park by 1pm. The march begins at 1.30pm prompt, and proceeds on the route Kings Park Road, Polmaise Road, Torbrex Road, Coxithill Road, Cultenhove Road, Barnsdale Road, Newpark Road, Nailer Road, Borestone Place and finally Bannockburn Field.
Police Scotland’s Forth Valley Division have warned of traffic disruption.
They tweeted last night: “Between 1pm and 3.30pm tomorrow local road closures will be in place in the Bannockburn area to facilitate a commemoration parade. The event begins at 1pm at Kings Park and finishes at the visitor centre at Bannockburn Field.”
Neil Mackay, spokesman for AUOB, said: “We greatly look forward to tomorrow’s massive demonstration for independence at Bannockburn when the modern day clans, the Yes family, will gather at Kings Park and march for Bannockburn Field leaving at 1.30pm sharp.
“This demonstration has profound significance for even though the Bruce and his captains were in command 704 years ago at this most famous Scottish battle, it was nonetheless the ordinary people of Scotland who made the victory for Scotland.
“And so the Yes Clans descend on Stirling to once again prove that the people of Scotland demand Independence now and that it is the people who are driving this movement and who will be victorious at the fast approaching Indyref2.
“As the independence movement works from the ground level up, we have witnessed the effects that our street demonstrations have had on the SNP leadership, giving them the courage to stand up to Westminster’s tyranny knowing that back home the people are showing the way and stating loud and clear that the way is now.
“Tomorrow’s massive demonstration is a key opportunity to highlight that our independent Scotland has evolved from medieval madness and will welcome refugees with open arms and never lock them up like animals in wire cages, for Scotland is perhaps the most welcoming nation in the world and we shall never subject refugees to sub-human treatment but will always extend the Scottish hand of care and friendship to those fleeing persecution and destitution.
“So get your marching gear on, and together we will make a powerful statement that Scotland will soon be independent once again.”
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