AS if emerging from hibernation, today sees the first day of public action across the country by the Yes movement for many, many months – led by the new grassroots organisation Now Scotland.
It follows a resolution by Now Scotland at its first national assembly, which states: “Now Scotland resolves to call a day of action across Scotland on Saturday May 1 to mobilise the expression of the huge support for independence, which is the sustained majority position of the people of Scotland.
“We also call upon international supporters across the world to show their solidarity as part of this day of action which will include campaigning activities that are consistent with the Covid-19 safety restrictions at the time.”
May Day has long been date for action and this year it is especially important for the Yes movement as the coronavirus pandemic has restricted all forms of processions, marches and rallies over the past year – there have been none of the giant All Under One Banner (AUOB) marches, for example.
READ MORE: Scottish band's pro-independence song reaches official UK charts
AUOB is taking part in the Now Scotland day of action, while the Scottish Independence Movement is holding its own specialised form of demonstration, with cavalcades of vehicles in towns and cities across Scotland.
All of the organisers have emphasised to The National that they are putting people’s safety first and foremost, and that is why there are no marches or mass rallies planned. Those events which are going ahead will be relatively small scale and will completely follow safety guidance and physical distancing at all times.
This is the first time that Now Scotland has organised public events to be visible “on the ground”, taking advantage of the fact that Scotland has entered a new phase in the pandemic with travel restrictions eased and the vaccination rollout progressing well.
Now Scotland said: “There will be a number of small socially distanced static protests and gatherings right across the country to mark a day of action for independence, just days before the Scottish electorate go to the polls in an historic parliamentary election.”
In chronological order, the events are: Flag flying on Border Bridges, organised by Yes Berwickshire and friends. They will be flying flags over the A1 today from around 10am, basing operations at the B6355 bridge just outside Ayton.
Yes Berwickshire said: “We also plan to use the more exposed bridge over the A1 near the First and Last Inn by the Border. Please email us to formally take part – which would allow some of us to redeploy to cover the border bridge at Coldstream as well – or just drop by to say hello.”
There will be a similar Bridges for Indy flag protest by Yes Rutherglen and Cambuslang over the M74 near Uddingston from 11am. Social distancing will be maintained and masks must be worn.
The Edinburgh May Day of Action for Independence static demonstration will take place at the Scottish Parliament from 11am to 12 noon. The organiser said: “Bring your banners and placards, friends and family. Later, join the on-line Edinburgh Trades Council Mayday celebration of workers struggle at 1pm.”
Another static demonstration will be held at noon in the High Street of Kirkcaldy in Fife, adjacent to the old Marks and Spencer shop. The organiser said: “A call to all supporters of Independence in Fife – join a static, socially distanced rally in support of pressing the British government to give us an indyref2.
“We will be offering a petition for supporters to sign.”
Also at noon, but over the Tay from Fife in Dundee, a similar static demonstration will be held at City Square.
The organiser said: “All welcome (socially distanced, of course). Bring your banners and placards, friends and family.”
In Aberdeen from 12 noon, Now Scotland Aberdeen are organising a stall outside M&S on St Nicholas Square. They said: “We shall have an NS banner, campaigning materials and petitions to demand indyref2 now. Come and join us and come and have a friendly chat.”
READ MORE: AUOB to mark Now Scotland’s Day of Action with independence rally
Now Scotland members on Skye will display flags all day while on Orkney Now Scotland members will be placing Yes stones throughout Orkney mainland all weekend.
The largest event is likely to be in Glasgow where All Under One banner are holding their static and socially distanced demonstration in George Square from 1pm. If you have not registered for the event via the AUOB Facebook page then either do so immediately or stay away to allow safe management of the event which Police Scotland are aware of. There will be speakers and music and the event is expected to last around 90 minutes.
At 6pm Now Scotland members are asked to join the Twitter “storm” they are hoping to create, while at 7pm there will be a Zoom event featuring speakers from Scotland, Wales and Cornwall’s independence movements.
All details of the above events can be found online at nowscotland.scot.
The Scottish Independence Movement’s (SIM) cavalcades are going ahead as planned at 1pm today with the exception of the event in Stonehaven. That leaves Aberdeen, Dumfries, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen. The venues for the starting points are on the SIM Facebook page. All people in pro-indy cars are welcome.
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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel