THOUSANDS of people took part in an independence march in Aberdeen yesterday, which saw a procession of Saltires down the city’s main street.
Organisers said at least 12,000 took part in the event, with All Under One Banner (AUOB) billing it as the “biggest and boldest” demonstration for independence the north-east had ever seen.
The march, which set off at 1.30pm, began at Albyn Place before marching to Castlegate via Union Street and Castle Street.
A spokesman for AUOB said: “It was a fantastic day in the Granite City, with a massive turnout from people across the north-east of Scotland and further afield. There was a real mix – with older and middle-aged people and lots and lots of younger people. It was a beautiful sight when it went down through Union Street, covering the length and breadth of it.
“People are saying it is the biggest demonstration for independence Aberdeen has ever seen.”
He added the march sent a “clear message” to the UK Government, with the most popular chant being: “Hey hey, hey ho, Boris Johnson has to go.”
Leading the march was Muriel Jaffray, who has spent 63 years campaigning for independence, according to the Aye Aberdeen group.
A rally took place with speakers from different Yes groups and anti-nuclear and environmental campaigners.
It is the first time an AUOB independence march has been held in the north-east, with the group planning further events for Perth and Edinburgh in the coming weeks.
The AUOB spokesman added: “There was a sense of excitement that people were really welcoming the arrival of the movement in the north-east.
“There was a lot of people there who were taking part in a march for the first time.
“We are delighted it has been a huge success.”
Police Scotland estimated there were 4000 to 5000 participants on the march.
We'll have an eight-page special in tomorrow's National with pictures of the march.
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