Tens of thousands of independence supporters marched through the streets of Glasgow, aiming to bring Scotland’s largest city to a standstill.
Marchers draped in Saltires waved flags and played bagpipes and drums as they walked from Kelvingrove to Glasgow Green on Saturday.
The event is one of a series being held across Scotland by All Under One Banner. The pro-independence organisation aims to march at regular intervals “until Scotland is free”.
“Glasgow city centre will be brought to a standstill as our independence march traverses through en route to George Square,” one member of the organisation said on a fundraising page before the event.
The march achieved a high turnout. Police Scotland estimated that 35,000 people joined the procession, which ended with speeches and music on the green.
??????? Marilyn ???????
(@StarryTowers)#AUOB #YES #GLASGOW massive #Indy march. Walking for an hour and a half already, wait to get to the Green ???????
May 5, 2018
A small number of pro-union campaigners met the procession to counter its message.
Stuart McMillan, a MSP for the Scottish National party, wrote on Twitter that he had received abuse including “a azi salute and the middle finger” from pro-union campaigners.
Amanda McGinley took part in the march with her daughter Ellie Casson, with both women sporting Saltire bows in their hair. “We’re just basically fighting for the cause. We’re serial marchers,” she said.
Lesley Crawford said she had come to show support. “There is still a lot of people who are still campaigning for a vote for independence, and we’re not going away,” she said.
Audrey Roberts
(@Velmaburd)March for independence#yes #yes2 #marchforindependence #alba #scottish #scottishontour #indyref #freedom #allunderonebanner #glasgow
May 5, 2018
Although the 2014 referendum led to a 55% vote in favour of staying in the UK,and 45% against, marcher Geoff Craig was confident independence campaigners could win a second referendum.
He said that level of support for Scotland leaving the UK was “a good place to start from” and that backing for independence was edging up.
