YES activists are to form a human chain across Scotland to display their determination for independence this Saturday (October 14).
Organisers are estimating approximately 49,000 participants are to line the Forth and Clyde canal, which has been split into sections from Bowling to Falkirk.
It is one of the biggest demonstrations for Yes ever organised and we want everyone to have all the information they need to ensure a smooth event!
When is it?
The Chain of Freedom is on Saturday October 14.
Participants are asked to be at their section at 12pm, with the chain to be created at 12:30pm.
How to register
Organisers are urging potential participants to register at the event to ensure health and safety runs smoothly.
On the dedicated website for the chain, it states: “Health and safety for this event is like no other held so far, due to the location, and number of people.
"We MUST adhere to this for Scottish Canals, council areas, Police Scotland, your own safety, and the success of the event.
“Therefore, we require accurate numbers, 1 metre = approx. 1 person and we need them now, so that all planning can be undertaken.”
You must register here or join via your local Yes or party group who have already registered.
It is understood sections 1A, 6A, 6D, 6E, and 6F have reached capacity and are now closed, with others nearing capacity.
The route
The Forth and Clyde canal is being used, which has been split into sections from Bowling to Falkirk. These are labelled 1A, 1B, 1C and so on.
When registering, you can either choose or be allocated a section based on location.
How to get there
Many Yes hubs and groups are organising buses to go to the section they have been allocated.
Various operators have asked organisers to request activists to book seats as buses leaving from Dundee, Perth, Dunfermline, Stirling, Edinburgh, and Glasgow to and from the areas could be extremely busy on Saturday.
A full list or buses organised by groups can be found here.
What to bring
Participants are encouraged to bring banners and flags, as well has drinking water to stay hydrated.
Extra flags will also be useful to fill any gaps in the chain.
What not to bring
Whilst the event is encouraging photography, organisers took the decision to have a no drone policy in place for their event.
Whilst this was the decision of the event organisers, the emergency services recommended this approach to them.
Organisers have also requested activists don’t bring any furniture and only use what is already in place (for example, benches) for what they are supposed to be used for on the route.
Alcohol is also prohibited on the day.
Safety
Routine users of the canal will still have access to paths being used for the event, so mindfulness of walkers and cyclists during the chain is requested.
Stewards will be present along the route with ropes in case of incidents involving the canal.
Lock gates/pontoons are not to be used, accessed, or climbed on during the event.
