THEY said it would be big and it was – around 200,000 people marched through Edinburgh in the biggest show of support for independence Scotland has seen.

Led by hundreds of Yes Bikers, among them Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie, the AUOB march snaked its way in a carnival atmosphere from Holyrood Park, up the Royal Mile to its eventual destination the Meadows.

The drizzling rain didn’t deter their spirits – as you can see from our pages of photographs – and one of the organisers praised the marchers’ good nature.

Neil Mackay, from AUOB, tweeted: “On 5th October 2019 Scotland and the world saw the biggest demonstration for Independence in Scottish History at #AUOBEdinburgh with over 200K attending the momentous event.

READ MORE: Ruth Wishart: We must not let Boris Johnson stand in way of indyref2

“A day when History was made.

“Not a single arrest or scene of anti-social behaviour ... Testament to the good nature and behaviour of Indy supporting Scots but also that Scottish Independence is a highly positive thing.”

AUOB’s Gary Kelly added: “It’s buzzing – the rain may be on but the people are not deterred.

“Our appetite for independence is still alive.”

The Saltire-waving crowds, the bikers, bands, dogs and fancy-dress costumes have not only brightened up summer around Scotland, but demonstrated the groundswell of support for independence.

On Twitter, Nicola Sturgeon said she would not be at the march in person, but would be there “in spirit”. She added: “Be in no doubt – independence is coming.”

However, her party was well represented with several MPs, MSPs and councillors mingling among the tens of thousands of marchers.

The National:

Pete Wishart (above), MP for Perth and North Perthshire, tweeted: “What a fantastic atmosphere and certainly the biggest crowd I’ve seen.”

Former MP Angus Robertson said: “Great atmosphere at the massive march in Edinburgh today. Many people marching for the first time, including some who voted No in 2014.”

MP Tommy Sheppard wrote on Twitter: “Fantastic to see so many braving the rain to march through the beautiful constituency of Edinburgh East #ItsTime.”

In the midst of huge movement of people there was drama when Amanda Brown, from Fife, was later reported missing. Appeals were made on social media, including one from the pro-indy group Hope Over Fear, but Brown’s daughter, Shannon, later confirmed that her had been found.

She said: “My mum has been found safe, lost all of her belongings but has been found safe.

“Thank you everyone for your support. Cannot thank everyone enough.”

READ MORE: It’s 2069 ... here’s why those marches 50 years ago REALLY mattered

Meanwhile, the march made headlines in Scotland and overseas, with reports of media coverage in Germany, Catalonia and the Netherlands.

Jerky tweeted from Germany: “Usually here in Germany there’s very little mention of Scotland in the media when they discuss Brexit, but today it seems all the big media outlets have pieces on yesterday’s march.”

Twitter user Ciorstain MacPetrat said: “German BT reports on #AUOBEdinburgh in a positive and neutral manner. BBC can learn something!”

In Catalonia, national broadcaster CCMA said: “Organisers call it the greatest manifestation of recent history.”

Another not at the march was SpakenburgAZee, who wrote from the Netherlands on Twitter: “We warmly support an independent Scotland and the right to make your own choices and to decide on your own destiny and future.”

Estelle Hughes, later described an emotional moment on the march: “Was asked by a fellow #AUOBEdinburgh marcher about the Swedish flag pinned to my knitted Saltire shawl, so I explained about being Swedish and moving here 2 years ago. The response was a warm ‘Well we’re very glad you’re here’, which brought a tear to my eye.”