RALLY organisers have issued guidance to Yessers ahead of this weekend’s All Under One Banner (AUOB) demonstration in Stirling.
On Saturday, June 24 participants are encouraged to gather early, wear sunscreen, and consider being a steward on the 4.5-mile march from Old Stirling Bride to Bannockburn.
The rally starting point, which is to begin at 12:30pm sharp, is a short walk from Stirling train station.
Public transport is available where possible but for those taking a car, there is plenty of parking available in Stirling. The stewards briefing is set to be held at 12 at Old Stirling Bridge and are still required by the organisation.
If you can assist with the role, the AUOB committee ask that anyone interested attend the briefing and highlight it will not interfere with enjoyment of the march as stewards walk alongside family and friends.
The route takes place through the city centre, reaching the grounds of the Bannockburn Heritage Centre for the rally.
Organisers say the route can be slightly hilly in parts so request appropriate footwear is worn for the walk. They also highlight if anyone is unable to complete the entirety of the route, joining at Kings Park, which is about halfway, or going straight to the end point for the rally event is possible.
The march is expected to arrive at King's Park around 1:30-1:45pm and Bannockburn between 2:30-2:45pm.
The rally will begin as soon as the front of the march arrives and will last approximately 90 minutes.
A variety of speakers “from across the breadth of the Yes movement” are expected and live music will take to the stage. A selection of Yes stalls will also be present at the rally, raising funds and campaigning.
In a statement AUOB said they hope to “continue to build the mass movement for independence, bringing together and uniting all strands of Yes, cross-party and none”.
They continued: “On Saturday, we will send a clear message to Westminster and Holyrood that we will continue to mobilise our forces until we have defeated the rotten and undemocratic Westminster rule, whose vicious attacks on the poor, and our living standards - whilst scapegoating anyone but the rich and powerful for its ills - make Scottish independence an emergency situation.”
Patrick McCarthy, the designated organiser for the demonstration, and AUOB National committee member said: “All Under One Banner organises the marches for you, the beating heart of the Yes movement. We invite all pro-indy parties, activists, and groups to attend and manifest a bold statement for self-determination.
“Every single person who is Yes for independence is welcome and invited to attend. Make the effort to be there on Saturday. Bring your flags, banners and placards; bring your instruments, loudspeakers, whistles and drums; bring your enthusiasm, vibrancy and determination for independence. Make sure to attend the national demonstration for self-determination.”
Alan Laird of Yes Stirling said that the group feels an “extra responsibility” being “in the shadow of the Wallace monument” to ensure continued and impactful campaigning.
He said: "Yes Stirling, like most groups, has its roots in the build-up for the 2014 referendum and continues undaunted to campaign for independence today. Sited by the fields of Bannockburn, and in the shadow of the Wallace monument, there seems to be an extra responsibility thrust upon oor (not so) wee group by the weight of history – and history in the making.
“Our activities are building again, and we can always do with extra help. If you feel that Scotland could do better as an independent country, members of all parties or none are welcome to get involved. We look forward to Saturday's national demonstration."
The National will have a reporter present along the route so don’t miss our live coverage of the event.
