THOUSANDS of Scottish independence supporters are expected to descend on the town of Falkirk this weekend for a rally at which prominent SNP MSP Kate Forbes will speak.
All Under One Banner (AUOB) have organised the event for this Saturday, encouraging anyone who can make it to go along.
Here, the campaigning group have pulled together everything you need to know about their rally on September 23.
Where does it begin?
The march starts at 12.30pm sharp from the grass area at Glenfuir Road/Westburn Avenue in Falkirk - adjacent to the canal.
Marchers are encouraged to leave early, so as to arrive at the assembly area in plenty of time to get into formation.
For marchers who are travelling to the demonstration by car, please note there is parking at both the Howgate and at Callendar Square.
There will be a foodbank collection for ROOTS Foodbank at the start point. Please give generously. The foodbank will pick up all items at 12:15pm, just before the march begins.
When are the stewards’ briefings?
If you wish to volunteer as a steward then please attend one or both of the stewards briefings, which will take place at 11.30am and 12 noon at the assembly point. However, if you miss the briefings then just approach a steward when you arrive.
Which route will it follow?
The procession will take the following route: Glenfuir Road/Westburn Avenue (park at the Old Hospital), Camelon Road, Westbridge Street, High Street, East Bridge Street, Corporation Street, Eastburn Drive, Estate Avenue, Seaton Place, Callendar Park.
There will be a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order in place for the route of the procession - excluding the High Street, as it is a pedestrian area.
Saor Alba Pipes and Drums will lead the march.
How many will be there?
Organisers estimate around 2000 people will attend the demonstration. This will be the 39th All Under One Banner march since 2014. Independence supporters are encouraged to bring instruments, drums and whistles for maximum audibility.
Will the Yes Bikers be in attendance?
The organisers have liaised with the Yes Bikers, the local authority and Police Scotland. The Yes Bikers will ride the procession route just before the roads are closed, taking the route until it reaches the High Street, where they will turn right and drive towards Callendar Park.
Where is the rally?
The rally will take place in Callendar Park and will begin once the march arrives at approximately 1:45pm, and will finish around 3:15pm.
SNP MSP Kate Forbes (above), Pat Lee from Salvo and Scott Fallon from the Alba Party's Falkirk branch will address the rally, alongside speakers from across the breadth of the movement.
There will also be live entertainment from Kevin Gore, Graham Brown and Pete Scally.
The organisers have issued an open invitation to Yes groups to set up information stalls at the rally site. If you wish to do so please arrive in plenty of time to be good to go for 1.45pm. Please approach the stage area for direction to ensure you set up in line with the plans for the rally site.
Will there be a collection?
The Scottish Independence Foundation (SIF) have funded 2023's schedule of AUOB marches. Marchers are encouraged to make a donation to SIF and/or sign up online to contribute on an ongoing basis.
Every penny donated will be well received and put to use by SIF. It doesn't matter whether donations clink or fold. All monies raised go directly to SIF.
What's the dress code?
There is no specific dress code for the demonstration, but organisers encourage vibrant colours to be worn, and flags, placards and banners (both Scots and international) are encouraged for maximum visibility.
Participants are encouraged to attend no matter what, the most important is to bring yourselves.
When is the next march?
The next march is in Edinburgh on Saturday, October 7.
