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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Steph Brawn

Kate Forbes and Ian Blackford to speak at island's independence rally

IAN Blackford, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan have been announced as speakers for the All Under One Banner (AUOB) march taking place in Skye next month.

The group's fourth independence march this year will be held on Saturday, August 26, and is set to see supporters walk from the mainland over the Skye bridge towards Kyleakin on the island's east coast.

It is set to follow another AUOB event in Ayr on Saturday, July 29.

Blackford and Forbes both represent the island at Westminster and Holyrood respectively.



AUOB has said police have objected to the march because they have public safety concerns about people going across the bridge.

The campaign group said it has tried to cooperate with Police Scotland by suggesting walking on the footpath rather than the road, but cops have insisted people's safety could still be compromised.

A statement on Twitter from AUOB said: "Police are objecting to the march. They say they have public safety concerns about marchers walking over the bridge.

"We have sought to cooperate, by not marching on the road but instead using only the footpath. However, they insist that people can trip and fall onto the road. 

“AUOB marches have a proven track record of being safe, well stewarded and good natured. Today we assured police that marchers are responsible and our stewarding team are well experienced and know exactly what to do, including dealing with emergency situations that can arise.

“Despite this police objected, so we await the outcome of the meeting which will be known soon.

“The march route was developed working with local Yes groups. There is no legitimate safety concern here. Our right to peaceful protest must be respected.

“Further updates to come.”

Police Scotland has, however, told The National it is not objecting to the march taking place but will be implementing a "comprehensive policing plan".



The full route will be Kyle of Lochalsh Leisure centre, Douglas Row, Plock Street, Main Street, Stoney Rd, Skye Bridge (footpath), Caol Acain, Kyleside, grass area in front of Kings Arms Hotel, Kyleakin.

Chief Inspector Scott Robertson said: “We are aware of the planned event.

"Our priority is public safety, and a comprehensive policing plan will be in place to maintain people’s safety, enable peaceful protest and minimise disruption.”

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