A RALLY outside BBC Scotland’s headquarters is being planned by independence supporters after the Supreme Court delivers its judgement on the indyref2 case.
All Under One Banner (AUOB) are planning to gather at the Glasgow base of the corporation on Saturday, November 26 – three days after the court announces its verdict on whether Scotland can hold an independence referendum without Westminster’s consent.
Organiser Neil Mackay told The National the group was targeting the broadcaster because AOUB – which regularly holds pro-Yes rallies on Saturdays across Scotland – believe it is guilty of pro-Union bias in its coverage of Scottish politics.
Mackay said: “Any time of year is a good time to rally and protest at the BBC but in the aftermath of this decision [the Supreme Court ruling] we’re going to once again see how they misrepresent Scotland and twist whatever it is against us.”
He said the rally was intended to complement those being organised across Scotland by Yessers for the date of the judgement, expected on Wednesday, November 23.
Mackay said he wanted to see a good turnout for events planned for earlier in the week and that the BBC rally would suit those unable to make midweek rallies.
He said: “On the doorstep of the building we’ll be having a very prominent, very loud demonstration.”
No workers at the building would be targeted by protesters, Mackay insisted, saying the event would be “family-friendly” and that police had been informed the protest would be taking place.
He said: “Nobody is going to be targeted or harassed, that’s never happened…
“It will be family-friendly, it will be peaceful, nobody will be harassed and intimidated and it will be a decent gathering with a number of speakers from across the Yes movement.”
Mackay said he did not want to announce who would be speaking at the rally, adding that speakers would be announced on the day.
A police spokesperson said: "We are aware of an event planned to take place at Pacific Quay, Glasgow on Saturday, November 26, and we will provide a proportionate policing response.
“Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation that puts our values of integrity, fairness, respect and commitment to upholding human rights at the heart of everything we do.
“This means that we will protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or counter-protest, balanced against the rights of the wider community.”
The BBC did not respond to a request for comment.
The rally will be held at BBC Scotland's Pacific Quay offices from 1-3pm.
