TIME for Scotland and Europe for Scotland have organised rallies across Scotland and Europe for those who support independence to express how they feel in reaction to the verdict from the Supreme Court on indyref2.
There are three possible outcomes on Wednesday, which Lesley Riddoch has dubbed "aye, naw or cannae say".
If the judges decide the Scottish Government’s proposed Referendum Bill does not relate to reserved matters, indyref2 can proceed as planned on October 19, 2023, and the campaign effectively begins on Wednesday night.
Below is everything you need to know about the rallies, and what will happen at the rallies if the court rules against the Scottish Government.
WHERE ARE THE RALLIES?
There are 15 confirmed rallies in Scotland: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Dundee, Selkirk, Orkney, Skye, Inverurie, Lochaber, Greenock, Stirling, Lochgilphead, Inverness, Aberdeen, and Dumfries.
Support demonstrations have been organised in Brussels, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Dublin and Munich. Oxford and London will also host demonstrations.
Supporters will be in Brussels near the European Parliament, in Berlin under the Brandenburg Gate, in Rome in front of the Colosseum, in Paris at The Auld Alliance and in Munich in the central Marienplatz.
WHAT TIME ARE THE RALLIES?
Edinburgh and London are holding live verdict reactions when it is announced at 9:45am.
A number of other rallies are being held.
- Edinburgh, Holyrood Parliament, 5:15pm
- Aberdeen, St Nicholas Square, 5.30pm
- Borders, Selkirk Square and on to Kirk o Forest, 6.30pm
- Dumfries, Midsteeple area in the town centre, beside the Planestanes, 5.30pm
- Dundee, City Square, in front of the Caird Hall, 5.30pm
- Fort William, Rally and march through Fort William High St, meet on the Parade, 6.30pm
- Glasgow, Concert Hall steps, Buchanan Street, 5.30pm
- Greenock, Lyle fountain in Cathcart Square, 5.15pm
- Inverness, Inverness Townhouse, 6.30pm
- Inverurie, Inverurie Town Hall, 5.30pm
- Lochgilphead, Front Green Lochgilphead, 12 noon
- Orkney, St Magnus Cathedral, Kirk Green, 5.15pm
- Perth, Concert Hall Plaza (outside Horsecross), 5.30pm
- Skye, Portree Sheriff Court, Portree Square, 5.30pm
- Stirling, At Performance Area, Junction of King Street and Murray Place (opposite Cafe Nero), 5.30pm
SHOULD I HEAD TO THE MAIN RALLY OR SUPPORT MY LOCAL RALLY?
Go to the one nearest to you. Double check the latest rallies tomorrow morning as rallies continue to be announced.
Clackmannanshire organisers were trying to decide whether to attend Glasgow or Edinburgh, whilst weighting up the time, money, and inconvenience to travel during rush hour – so activists set one up in Stirling and announced it Tuesday morning!
Edinburgh already has 5000 people committed to going and the space in front of Holyrood does not hold a large crowd. At all the rallies, it is guaranteed to be a memorable night.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING TO THE RALLY?
If you have flags, banners, placards, or signs available or have time to make some on the day dependent on the decision – then go for it!
Women For independence advised members: “If you’re a gardener, you might have some bamboo poles in your shed. They’re lightweight and work well for banners and signs.”
Some of the rallies are in rural areas with little illumination so torches and lanterns may be useful. If not, don’t worry about it – your presence is enough.
Also - ask a friend to come along. It only takes one person to start a domino effect.
WILL THE RALLIES STILL GO AHEAD IF THE COURT SAYS NO?
If they decide the Bill does relate to reserved matters, and the Scottish Parliament cannot legislate even for a consultative referendum without Westminster’s consent – which would blow Unionist claims of a "voluntary Union" out of the water – the rallies will be a show of force on the national and international stage that Scotland is in an undemocratic situation.
WILL THE RALLIES GO AHEAD IF IT’S A ‘WE CAN’T DECIDE’?
If the court can’t decide – declining to accept the reference from the Lord Advocate – activists will urge the Scottish Government to proceed with the actual bill even if that provokes further legal challenge from a Westminster Government totally opposed to self-determination in Scotland.
I CAN'T MAKE THE RALLIES, BUT I WANT TO WATCH AND SUPPORT THE EFFORT.
The main rally at Holyrood and the rally at Glasgow will be livestreamed, and you'll find links on our website. Organisers are encouraging people to use "#TimeforScotland" online and share livestreams, photos and videos from the events.
