ALL UNDER One Banner could be set to postpone its rally in Arbroath next month over fears about the spread about Coronavirus.
Thousands were expected to take part in the march on April 3 to mark the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which was signed and sealed in the town’s ancient abbey.
Taking to Twitter, AUOB’s Neil Mackay said the final decision was still under consideration, but given recent developments it may be better to wait until next year.
He tweeted: “I'm feeling it best to postpone #AUOBArbroath until 3rd April 2021, which although would not be the 700th anniversary but the 701st would still mark the occasion as well as showing paramount regard for the health of the Scottish people, whether Independence supporters or not. TBC”
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Mass gatherings to be cancelled next week says FM
Mackay's comments came as Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs that she was minded to recommend the cancelling of mass gatherings in a bid to protect police and NHS staff.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, the SNP leader said: “So the Health Secretary and I have decided this morning that we are certainly minded... that we will advise the cancellation, also from the start of next week, of mass gatherings of 500 people or more, and that is principally to protect the resilience of our front line workers”.
There are a number of large scale events planned for the Arbroath anniversary, including concerts and a music festival.
AUOB are also due to hold rallies in Glasgow on May 2 and in Peebles on June 6, while a march is set for Elgin on July 4, Kirkcaldy on August 1 and Stirling's on September 12.
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