Independence Rally to go ahead in Holyrood Park … despite ban

Today’s pro-independence rally is set to go ahead at Holyrood Park, despite a ban imposed by Historic Environment Scotand. 

In a statement on their Facebook page yesterday, organisers All Under One Banner announced:

AUOB ARE VICTORIOUS- TOMORROW WE MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE AND RALLY AT HOLYROOD PARK

We are not long out of the meeting with the authorities Re #AUOBEdinburgh, where we sat round a table with Edinburgh council, Police Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

We are proud to announce that Police Scotland have made an executive decision in the interests of health & safety and public order to facilitate our stance that we are Rallying at 1olyrood park and are implementing emergency powers to make this happen.

HES (Historic Environment Scotland – Ed) maintained their political stance that we were still refused permission but after a long meeting where we held to our principles we are delighted to announce Holyrood park is ours Tomorrow.

END LONDON RULE 👊🎶
SAORAIBH ALBA!

However HIE’s interpretation of what was agreed at yesterday’s meeting is substantially at odds with that of the campaigners. In a statement issued after the meeting, Historic Environment Scotland insist the ban on the rally remains in force.

“Following today’s emergency Events Planning and Operations Group (EPOG) meeting, we would like to reiterate our position regarding the All Under One Banner March for Independence which is scheduled for Saturday 6th October. EPOG confirmed the march will go ahead on agreed route including through the road network within Holyrood Park between Horse Wynd through to Holyrood Gait, ending at the Scottish Parliament.

“Our position on use of the Park for any rally after the march remains the same. It has not been overruled by Police Scotland. To confirm, we have not given permission for the set-up of stalls, staging, branding and other static presence within Holyrood Park.

“We wish to advise that the public will be able to access Holyrood Park as normal on Saturday 6 October.”

Up to 20,000 people are expected to attend the march and rally. The old codgers, haggis hurlers, heilan’ dancers, teddy bears picnickers and various other supporters groups get together at 1pm!