THERE were a few people who suggested that holding a march and rally for independence in Campbeltown might prove an event too far, given the distance from the capital of Kintyre to the major cities of Scotland.

Tell that to the people of the town and Yes Kintyre who yesterday afternoon and evening began to welcome the first groups of participants for today’s march and rally.

Proving that these events do boost the economy of a locality, there were not a lot of spare bedrooms in Cambeltown’s tourist venues last night.

The advance guard certainly got Yes Kintyre’s attention – they took to Facebook to show the saltire-bedecked vehicles and added: “So exciting.

“A convoy of Yessers has just rolled into Campbeltown ahead of tomorrow’s indy rally, horns blaring, saltires fluttering.”

Mike Wilkinson commented: “Saw them arriving down Millknowe. Made me tingle! Tomorrow is gonna be amazing.”

Despite the confusion that is surrounding All Under One Banner at the moment, this march and rally will be conducted in accordance with the rules established by AUOB.

Manny Singh and the team of stewards are there for people’s safety and all participants should heed the words of the stewards at all time.

Many marchers like to know the exact roads they will be going along so here is today’s route. Everyone intending to march is asked to gather at 1pm for a 2pm start.

Everyone should muster by the children’s playpark, locally called Jock’s Boat by the ferry terminal. The route then proceeds down Hall St, round the Campbeltown Cross roundabout, down Kinloch Road, right into Lochend Streer, left in to Lady Mary Row, left into Mill Street, left onto Millknowe Road, continue into Longrow, left into Main Streer, left at the Cross roundabout for the second time into Kinloch Road, then right into The Esplanade with the final destination Kinloch Green on the left. The final list of speakers has still to be announced but expect Yes Kintyre to put up a local person.

The group has also organised an “Indy After Party” – perhaps a bit too optimistic because we won’t get independence today, but we know what they mean.

It’s in the upstairs lounge of the Argyll Arms Hotel right on the Main Street from 6pm to 10pm with music being provided by the Twisted Melons and their friends. There’s also an open microphone and anyone going to the march and rally is invited to attend and bring their musical instruments.

No matter the difficulties of AUOB it is clear that hundreds of people are making the effort to come from all over Scotland today to march and rally in Campbeltown for Scottish independence. That’s the important thing.