The March and Rally for Scottish Independence was a demonstration in support of Scottish independence that had taken place in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, in both 2012[1] and 2013.[2] It was originally set to take place again in 2014, shortly before the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, but it was called off as "the focus [in 2014] has got to be on persuading the many undecided voters all over Scotland, crucially in their own communities, and that will call for different types of events".[3]

The March and Rally was organised by Jeff Duncan ,Allan Hendry and Anne McMillan[4] and was part of the official Yes Scotland campaign.[1]

2012 March and Rally

The March and Rally on 22 September 2012 gathered in The Meadows before moving to Princes Street Gardens, where a crowd of between 9,000 and 10,000 people[5][6] listened to speakers including First Minister Alex Salmond, comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli, lawyer Aamer Anwar, and writer Alan Bissett.[1] Pat Kane of Hue and Cry hosted the event and Dougie McLean was the main attraction serenading the crowd with Caledonia

2013 March and Rally

The March and Rally on 21 September 2013 gathered on Edinburgh's High Street (part of the Royal Mile) before moving to Calton Hill. Police Scotland estimates for the rally were approx. 30,000 at the rally[7] and 20,000 on the march. The Scottish Police Federation[8] and organisers put the figures at 25,000 to 30,000.[9]

Political speakers included Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond from the Scottish National Party,[10] Patrick Harvie from the Scottish Green Party, Colin Fox from the Scottish Socialist Party,[11] Carolyn Leckie from Women for Independence,[12] and Allan Grogan from Labour for Independence.[13] Elaine C Smith hosted the event. Guest speakers via video link included the Proclaimers, Alan Cummings and Sean Connery

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Thousands at Scottish independence rally in Edinburgh". BBC News. 22 September 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  2. ↑ "Scottish independence: Yes campaigners rally in Edinburgh". BBC News. 21 September 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  3. ↑ "March & Rally for Scottish Independence". Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  4. ↑ "March and rally for independence 2012". 16 August 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  5. ↑ "Thousands march on pro-independence rally". 22 September 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  6. ↑ "Review: March and Rally for Scottish Independence (2012)". 23 September 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  7. ↑ "Thousands show up for independence march", "The Herald", 21 September 2013.
  8. ↑ ScotsPolFed [@ScotsPolFed] (23 September 2013). "SPF members were kept busy this weekend facilitating march of 20,000. #HappyToHelp #AJobLikeNoOther" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  9. ↑ "Salmond Makes Rallying Call", "The Scotsman", 22 September 2013.
  10. ↑ "FM: Yes vote "will achieve the powers people want"". 21 September 2013. Archived from the original on 22 September 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  11. ↑ "My speech to yesterdays Independence March and Rally". 22 September 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  12. ↑ EXCLUSIVE: Carolyn Leckie at the Scottish Independence Rally 2013.
  13. ↑ EXCLUSIVE: Allan Grogan at the Scottish Independence Rally 2013.
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