Borderers join Believe in Scotland march
Independence supporters from across the Scottish Borders travelled to Edinburgh last Saturday to take part in the Believe in Scotland March and Rally, which drew thousands of people to the Scottish capital.
The march made its way down the High Street and past the Scottish Parliament, receiving a warm reception from onlookers, before culminating on a windy but sunny Calton Hill.
A banner from YES Berwickshire referencing colonies proved especially popular, attracting significant attention and being widely photographed throughout the day.
Borders participants were joined on the march by John Redpath, the SNP candidate for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, and Calum Kerr, a former SNP MP and current candidate for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale.
A range of high-profile speakers addressed the rally, including columnist Lesley Riddoch, actor Brian Cox, Scottish Greens figures Gillian Mackay and Ross Greer, lawyer Aamer Anwar, and SNP leader John Swinney.
Speaking at the event, Ms Riddoch said: “For years Scotland has rejected everything that Westminster has seen as OK – everything that`s top down, elitist, greedy and divisive, that turns person against person.”
Ms Mackay added: “Independence is not the end of the road. We need to make sure that before and after Independence we need to build a fairer, greener and more prosperous Scotland.
“It isn’t about building another Westminster in Edinburgh its about our country realising it`s full potential.”
Mr Cox told the crowd: “We have been ostracised and patronised for long enough, it`s time we got our country back.”
Those attending said they enjoyed the day and returned to the Borders with renewed enthusiasm and commitment to the independence cause.