By Paul Hutcheon
Hundreds of campaigners met in Edinburgh today to call for Scottish independence. They took part in a march and rally in support of the Independence First movement, a campaign demanding a referendum on the creation of an independent Scottish republic.
Organisers put out 10,000 leaflets ahead of the rally in the capital, which had the support of members of the SNP, Scottish Greens, SSP, Solidarity and the Independence Convention.
The march began at Waverley Station before moving on to Princes Street and the Royal Mile. Marchers then gathered outside the Scottish parliament to listen to speakers from all political parties involved in the rally.
Independence First spokesman Joe Middleton claimed that more than 1000 people took part – although this seemed a generous estimate.
“It shows there is the potential to get everybody who supports independence together, no matter what political party they are from,” he said. “Working together is the best way to maximise our chances of getting a referendum.”
Solidarity leader Tommy Sheridan told marchers the Act of Union was not brought in by choice but by corruption. “The rioting that followed showed clearly what the ordinary Scot thought of the British union,” he said. “Now, as we approach the 300th anniversary, surely it must be time for that democratic deficit to be rectified.
“It is for this reason that I support the Independence First campaign for a referendum. It is for this reason that all Scots who believe in democracy – whether or not they believe in independence – should support this basic democratic demand. After 300 years, it is time for the people to have their say.”
Bill Wilson, of the Scottish National Party, said a referendum was about creating a “democratic space” for the people of Scotland. “Without that space we can achieve nothing, and therefore independence must be the first priority of everyone who has any interest in Scotland’s future, no matter what their political views are,” he said.
“Independence First is the best chance of uniting everyone in the independence movement around one simple objective: getting a referendum, winning it and proving that Scotland does want normal national status.”
Linda Henry, of the Scottish Green Party, said of the event: “It is bigger than I thought it would be.
“I am here because there are too many reserved matters that Scotland needs to make its own decisions on, like equality, drugs, defence.”
Sheena McGregor, of Independence First, said: “We should be allowed to decide on the question. I am rallying support for a referendum so that the people of Scotland can decide on the matter of independence. We have never been asked the question.”
