Independence rally told ‘We shall win’

Alex Salmond yesterday claimed a Yes vote will be the ‘people’s victory’ in a rally in front of independence supporters in Edinburgh.

The First Minister said Scotland is “on the march” and told a packed rally on Calton Hill winning in 2014 would be more than a victory for the SNP.

Thousands of pro-independence campaigners marched in support of their cause.

Police Scotland, which had a helicopter hovering over the event, estimated the crowd at 8,000 but organisers said it was more than 20,000.

A string of speakers included Mr Salmond, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and singer Eddi Reader. There was a video message from The Proclaimers.

The First Minister told those gathered, “Look around, feel your strength, we’re gathered here for change we want to see.”

He continued: “A Yes vote next September will not be a victory for the SNP, or the Yes campaign, or even the huge coalition of interests and enthusiasm gathered here.

“It will be the people’s victory.

“‘Yes’ will be act of self-confidence and self-assertion which will mean decisions about what happens in Scotland are always taken by the people who live and work here not by a remote Westminster system.

“We have in 362 days’ time the opportunity of a lifetime.

“The forces against us thrive on doubt, but they can be dispelled.

“We’re a lucky generation, to change our communities for the better we only need to say the word, to say ‘Yes’.”

Independent MSP Margo MacDonald got one of the warmest responses of the day and urged the crowds to “imagine what would happen if Scotland votes No”.

She said: “What would people think about the Scots? That we’re all mouth and no kilts.

“We would not carry respect, we would not respect ourselves and that will be reflected in the activity of the country. Just imagine the No campaign trying to have a party. A No party. Who would go?”

Former Labour MP Dennis Canavan, chairman of the Yes Scotland advisory board, told the Calton Hill crowd: “This campaign is more like a marathon than a short sprint. And having run a few marathons in my time, I know that the runner who is ahead at the halfway stage is not necessarily the winner of the race.

“We have the people with the stamina, guts and determination to win this campaign and win it we shall.”

Pro-Union campaign Better Together said it spent yesterday sending its activists out to speak to ordinary Scots. Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “It’s a shame the supporters from the nearby Hibs v St Mirren game didn’t pop along to double the attendance.”

A range of groups took part in the protest, from political parties to organisations such as Farming for YES and Football Supporters for Independence. A similar rally last year in the centre of Edinburgh attracted around 5,000 people, according to the police.

Speaking ahead of the rally, 20-year-old student Calum Martin, from near Glasgow, said: “It’s a fantastic event, it brings a lot of people together and injects energy and colour into a debate which otherwise can run the risk of becoming full of statistics.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to get to know each other and to show their support. It’s a great turnout.”

Janette McGowan, 58, from Tullibody, hoped the event would raise awareness among people currently undecided or even against independence.

“It’s really quite something to see,” she said of the rally. I just don’t think Westminster knows what’s right for Scotland.

“I think we could do a better job locally for the people of Scotland.”