THOUSANDS of people – including key figures such as Joanna Cherry KC – have signed up to join a Yes rally to coincide with the Supreme Court’s ruling on whether Scotland has the power to hold indyref2 without Westminster consent.
The hearing of arguments in the referendum case began on Tuesday, with court president Lord Robert Reed saying the judgment could take “months”.
In anticipation of the ruling, which will see the attention of the world’s media turn to Scotland, organisers have put together plans for an independence demonstration to be seen across the globe.
SIGN UP TO BE ALERTED OF THE SUPREME COURT INDEPENDENCE RALLY HERE
In the five days since the “Time For Scotland” rally was announced, almost 3000 people have signed up to take part, journalist Lesley Riddoch told The National.
She went on: “It's a great start, but we need more people to pledge their readiness to appear and show that independence-supporting Scots really care about the outcome and the future of our country.
“Clearly, given media interest in the UK and Scottish Government cases being outlined in the Supreme Court, there will be more coverage interest when the actual decision is announced.
“When Scotland is in the news, Yessers must be visible on the streets. That's how the Yes movement can be most impactful.”
Though no date has been set for the judgment, well-connected lawyers involved in the Yes rally planning are expect to know when the court will announce its decision before it is made public, giving protesters sufficient warning to get to the Scottish Parliament building.
SIGN UP TO BE ALERTED OF THE SUPREME COURT INDEPENDENCE RALLY HERE
SNP MP and KC Joanna Cherry (below) and her colleague Tommy Sheppard, as well as Alba MP Neale Hanvey, have signed up to speak at the rally – assuming parliamentary business allows.
Organisers are also in talks with other potential speakers, pipers, and performers about attending the demonstration.
Riddoch said that if the judges decide Scotland can hold a second referendum, then the rally “will kick off the next Yes campaign”, while if they rule in the UK Government’s favour “the rally will ask what kind of Union leaves one 'equal' partner with no lawful way to leave or even consult its people about their future”.
“Either way, let's get organised now,” Riddoch said.
SIGN UP TO BE ALERTED OF THE SUPREME COURT INDEPENDENCE RALLY HERE
You can sign up to receive an email alert and join the rally at timeforscotland.scot.
An email alert will be sent out ahead of the Supreme Court ruling, allowing people time to get to the rally in time for the announcement.
Other smaller events are likely to be planned for areas too far from Edinburgh to get there in time for the rally.
