AFTER the phenomenal success of the All Under One Banner March for Independence through Glasgow on May 5, this Saturday it’s the turn of Dumfries.
It is fair to say the All Under One Banner (AUOB) group were stunned by the numbers who marched and rallied in Glasgow – The National’s own estimate of 60,000 participating for at least some part of the event is now accepted.
No-one imagines the numbers will be on anything like that scale this time, as the events are hardly comparable, but the Dumfries march is still set to be well attended.
Organiser Manny Singh said: “We will consider any numbers between 1000 and 2000 as a success, given that this is our first march and rally in Dumfries.”
The authorities have been helping AUOB to plan the march. Singh said “Dumfries and Galloway Council have given us the necessary permission, and they have been working with us which is a good sign. Police Scotland know we can organise these events well and they are happy to work with us. We have also met with the emergency response officials and they are all happy.
“We have emphasised that this will be a well-stewarded, family-friendly event and we think it will even bring a boost to the town’s economy.”
The march starts at 12.30pm prompt at the south end of Dumfries High Street. Those who took part in the Glasgow march will be delighted to know that the route is about one-third of the distance.
It via High Street, the Robert Burns Statue, Castle Street, Buccleuch Street, Whitesands, Dockhead to the rally at Dock Park.
AUOB organiser Gary Kelly said: “We know we will get nothing like the numbers we had in Glasgow but we definitely know there are three buses going from Glasgow, with other buses from Kilsyth and Edinburgh.
“We know people are planning two car convoys down the M74 and we also know the Yes Bikers are turning out in force.
“The usual pipers and drummers will be there and we want everybody to bring their MP3 players and make more sound.
“In Glasgow, we had a guy from Bearsden come along with a pram with a speaker system, and it all adds to the fun.”
At the rally in Dock Park there will be speakers and singers but, as in Glasgow, the final line-up won’t be known until shortly before the rally.
Further AUOB marches are already organised for Bannockburn on June 23 and Inverness on July 28 and The National can reveal that Dundee is being added to the roster.
Kelly confirmed: “At their invitation we are working with the Yes activists in the city and hope to march there on August 25.”
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