CROWDS gathered in Falkirk today as part of All Under One Banner’s (AUOB) march for independence.
Chants of “what do we want” were met with shouts of “independence” while the words “Tories, Tories, Tories” and "Labour, Labour, Labour" were met with “out, out, out”.
However, shortly before the rally after the march was due to begin, AUOB took to Twitter/X to explain it would not go ahead as planned.
The group said: “It is with regret that we have to announce that the rally after the Falkirk march today is cancelled, due to our production manager Bruno Celini yesterday suffering a close family bereavement.
“Let’s make the Edinburgh rally great on October 7.”
SNP MSP and former finance secretary Kate Forbes had been due to speak at the event following the conclusion of the march.
Among those present however was the SNP’s policy convener Toni Giugliano. Speaking to The National he commented on the importance of unity within the Yes movement.
“We need to come together as a movement. I’ve been very strongly making the case as to why the Yes campaign needs to come together again”, he said.
“I want to see the word independence on the ballot paper when it comes to the General Election.
“Seeing so many people here today from across the Falkirk district and across Scotland sends a really important message that independence is a priority, it’s not going away.
“We need it to thrive as a country, to fight inequality and to give it our best to have the powers here in the Scottish Parliament that best suit our needs.”
Also among those addressing the crowd was Scott Fallon of the Alba Falkirk branch who told the crowd he felt “nothing but pride” as attending the event.
He said: “As we gather in this historic town, let us reflect on our rich history and values that have shaped our nation.
“Falkirk is steeped in history and serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination of the Scottish people.
“It was here in 1298 that William Wallace and his brave compatriots faced adversity in their pursuit of freedom.
“Their valour and unwavering spirit have become symbols of our nations’ enduring quest for self-determination.”
The next AUOB rally will take place in Edinburgh on October 7.
All images: Gordon Terris
