IAN Blackford, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan have been announced as speakers for the All Under One Banner (AUOB) march taking place in Skye next month.
The group's fourth independence march this year will be held on Saturday, August 26, and is set to see supporters walk from the mainland over the Skye bridge towards Kyleakin on the island's east coast.
It is set to follow another AUOB event in Ayr on Saturday, July 29.
Blackford and Forbes both represent the island at Westminster and Holyrood respectively.
READ MORE: Angus MacNeil MP will NOT rejoin SNP group at Westminster
AUOB has said police have objected to the march because they have public safety concerns about people going across the bridge.
The campaign group said it has tried to cooperate with Police Scotland by suggesting walking on the footpath rather than the road, but cops have insisted people's safety could still be compromised.
A statement on Twitter from AUOB said: "Police are objecting to the march. They say they have public safety concerns about marchers walking over the bridge.
"We have sought to cooperate, by not marching on the road but instead using only the footpath. However, they insist that people can trip and fall onto the road.
“AUOB marches have a proven track record of being safe, well stewarded and good natured. Today we assured police that marchers are responsible and our stewarding team are well experienced and know exactly what to do, including dealing with emergency situations that can arise.
“Despite this police objected, so we await the outcome of the meeting which will be known soon.
Update on #AUOBKyleakin
— All Under One Banner (@AUOBNOW) July 12, 2023
Kyle of Lochalsh Leisure centre, Douglas Row, Plock Street, Main St, Stoney Rd, Skye Bridge (footpath), Caol Acain, Kyleside, grass area in front of Kings Arms Hotel, Kyleakin
Today we met with @HighlandCouncil @PoliceScotland regarding the march. (1)
“The march route was developed working with local Yes groups. There is no legitimate safety concern here. Our right to peaceful protest must be respected.
“Further updates to come.”
Police Scotland has, however, told The National it is not objecting to the march taking place but will be implementing a "comprehensive policing plan".
READ MORE: Charities call for action from Humza Yousaf on wellbeing economy
The full route will be Kyle of Lochalsh Leisure centre, Douglas Row, Plock Street, Main Street, Stoney Rd, Skye Bridge (footpath), Caol Acain, Kyleside, grass area in front of Kings Arms Hotel, Kyleakin.
Chief Inspector Scott Robertson said: “We are aware of the planned event.
"Our priority is public safety, and a comprehensive policing plan will be in place to maintain people’s safety, enable peaceful protest and minimise disruption.”
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