TODAY’S All Under One Banner march in Oban is very special for the event’s chief organiser, Fiona Cameron. It will see her bring the banner of independence home, as she has deep roots in this part of Argyll and Bute.
She told The National: “I am delighted to be the named organiser for the All Under One Banner (AUOB) march and rally in Oban.
“This is a very poignant event for me, as I have strong family connections to this wonderful part of Scotland.
“My grandparents moved here from Tiree in the 1930s, where my grandpa became a captain on MacBraynes boats.
READ MORE: Final route for Oban independence march agreed by council
“My Mum is from Oban and still lives locally, and whilst I now live up in the Highlands, this is an exceptionally special day for myself, and my family.
“I was a pupil at Rockfield Primary and Oban High School, so Oban was an obvious choice for me when the AUOB team were discussing areas for this years march and rallies."
Cameron continued: “I became part of the AUOB National Executive last year when I was asked to help organise the Inverness march. Following the huge success of that event I haven’t looked back.
“I love helping organise the marches and rallies. It is hard work and challenging at times but being part of AUOB team is so worthwhile.
“When you see the expressions on the faces of the people from all walks of life marching together in a happy upbeat atmosphere, every man, woman, child and dog of them, all the hard work and effort is repaid tenfold.
“All too often, the smaller areas of Scotland, are forgotten about – so Oban being the Gateway to The Isles will give the people from the islands the chance to experience the atmosphere when thousands of like-minded people, many who have never met before, get together and march for an independent Scotland.
“These marches also bring a big economic boost to the town and surrounding areas and they also highlight the beautiful scenery and the people who live here.
“Many have told me that they have booked up for longer than just the day – making Oban the starting point to their summer holidays.
“For me, to be part of such a huge movement, to organise and showcase my home town with such a positive, forward thinking and visual impact, makes me very emotional and proud.
“In the current climate of politics, I believe that our marches offer hope for a better future, not only for my family, friends and fellow AUOB team but for the whole of Scotland, that we can and we will succeed, in the not-too-distant future, in regaining our independence.
“I know that I will never give up. I look forward to seeing many weel-kent faces and strangers, who I will consider after this Saturday, as part of our big indy family.
“Oban we cannot wait!”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here