Hundreds have attended Edinburgh's Rally for a Republic on Calton Hill with 'not my king' signs and protests against the coronation taking place today (May 6).
The rally began at the National Museum of Scotland and saw hundreds march to Calton Hill where a number of speakers presented their views and crowds gathered to call for the abolition of the monarchy.
A number of SNP, Green and Independent Edinburgh councillors attended as well as hundreds of activists from across the capital.
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A description for the event read: "Charles Mountbatten-Windsor will be crowned on 6th May 2023 as Britain's new Monarch.
"Without democratic consent or accountability to the people he claims to serve. We will be rallying to champion an alternative - An elected Head of State for Scotland. Join us."
Speakers included co-leader of the Green Party MSP Lorna Slater, SNP MP Tommy Shepard and independent councillor Ross McKeznzie.
Despite the dreich weather, the event had a good turnout with hundreds attending the protest that stands for an elected head of state rather than a monarchy.
One protester who goes by the name C told Edinburgh Live: "We are here today to protest the coronation of King Charles and to advocate for Scottish Independence.
"I'm from Ireland so we also feel a great sense of solidarity in terms of struggling against the monarchy, colonialism and imperialism on this island.
"The coronation is this huge event guilded in gold with no expense spared for the monarchy that comes at a time when people are struggling to feed their families and pay fuel bills."
She continued: "It is insulting and devastating for people to see this huge obnoxious display of wealth from people who are supposed to be leading or representing them.
"They are just throwing it in their faces that they have all this money to throw away while people are struggling."
Around a thousand also marched down to the Pleasance in a May Day Rally organised by Unison.
Organisers wrote: "On the 7th May send a message to the Westminster and Scottish Government.
"Let us march in Edinburgh in numbers and show decision-makers that there is strength in numbers and we march as one.
"They must get a grip of the cost-of-living crisis and increase public sector pay immediately!"
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They continued: "Adding your voice to the trade union for public sector workers in Scotland makes a huge difference.
"With more than 160,000 members in Scotland, from social care workers to hospital porters, caretakers, teaching assistants, nurses, security guards, all the people that keep our society running, when we bring our voices together it sends a powerful message to those at the top making decisions."
We'll bring you more on this news story as it happens. In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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