IT has been no secret in recent months that two groups distinct from All Under One Banner have emerged, both with the aim of organising marches and rallies to galvanise the Yes movement’s support.

One of the most popular recent additions to the many groups such as the Yes Bikers who have taken part in almost all the marches has been the Saor Alba pipes and drums.

With their distinctive blue bonnets and gilets, they have been a colourful sight and stirring sound, marching at the head of each crowd of participants.

Like many Yessers, however, they have been taken aback by the arrival of the Scottish Independence Movement and the Yes2 group who are organising marches and rallies in the future separate from All Under One banner.

Saor Alba discussed the situation at its annual general meeting and a spokesman for the band told The National that it had resulted in Saor Alba taking the view that they would not align with any single group of march organisers.

The spokesman said: “Our collective view is that we will play for the Yes movement as a whole and do not wish to be associated with any single group.

“We were set up to support the Yes movement and that is what we will do. We will consider each and every request to march and play and the Saor Alba membership will decide which events we will take part in.

“We are also willing to hear from local Yes groups across the country if they would like us to play at an event.”