🔗 Share this article

Something has shifted in the Scottish landscape.

The saltire, historically adopted by pro-independence groups, has currently been waved for a different cause.

Across the country, the blue and white of St Andrew is flying from poles and being waved alongside the union flag at demonstrations against immigration.

Previously those two flags were usually spotted on separate camps of the conversation over Scotland's future.

Currently the showing of the Scottish flag is causing debate of its own at rallies from Perth to Aberdeen and from Falkirk to Glasgow.

Opposing National Identities

This battle for Scotland's flag is furthermore a battle about what it signifies to be a patriot in modern Scotland - a conflict between clashing national identities.

Key Figures

One prominent activist is a central personality in these ongoing rallies.

He combines objection to separation and migration with sharp criticism of the national party.

They seized the Scottish flag as their property and for 12 long years we've let them to use it as a weapon of division and animosity.

Counter-Protests

The crowd - separated from hundreds of counter-protesters by a cordoning of police - cheered the denunciation of the SNP.

The nationalists have created chaos on the country, dismantling our prosperity and our capabilities at all times.

Migration Concerns

Migration is a thorn in the side for the current Prime Minister and appears to be rising up the agenda ahead of the Scottish parliamentary elections.

The channel crossing issue and the accommodation of asylum seekers in hotels have sparked protests around the United Kingdom.

Community Views

A demonstrator, who identified himself as Mark, held a British flag showing "Stop the Boats".

He stated politicians should be fixing struggling public systems, not using public funds on medical treatment for refugees.

Counter-Arguments

Near the accommodation a collection of opposing demonstrators, including numerous union members, had assembled.

They also were opposed to the PM – but for separate causes.

Financial Worries

The opposing groups look to possess a sense of disgust about the UK's ailing economy and the bad condition of government services.

The true concern in our society is the elected officials who aren't tackling these problems head on.

Housing Crisis

A frequent grievance among activists is about the quantity of immigrants being accommodated using council funds.

The problem is particularly severe in Glasgow, which has the the nation's biggest amount of asylum seekers in public housing.

Representative Significance

One refugee, a asylum seeker dwelling in northern Glasgow, feels the St. Andrew's Cross generally signifies tranquility, unity and acceptance.

However he says it is currently being displayed "for the far-right and racial prejudice".

Community Impact

Discussions concerning symbols are not simply happening in Scotland's big cities and blue-collar areas.

In the prosperous Renfrewshire community of the Weir Bridge area, the displaying of saltires has caused controversy on the local Facebook group.

Government Consequences

The government head the First Minister said arguments about immigration were being "fueled by a wider debate" going on in the Britain and internationally.

I advocate for a Scottish society that is accepting, hospitable and embracing.

Political Future

Polls ahead of May's Holyrood election suggest a substantial margin for the Scottish National Party.

Regardless of which flags are displayed by whatever political group in the election campaign, migration looks set to assume its position alongside the economy and public services as a significant topic.