🔗 Share this article

A transformation has taken place in the Scottish landscape.

The saltire, traditionally supported by independence advocates, has recently been displayed for a separate purpose.

Throughout the nation, the azure and white of Saint Andrew is fluttering from lampposts and being shown beside the Union Jack at rallies opposing migration.

In the past those two standards were more often seen on different sides of the debate about Scotland's future.

Currently the showing of the Scottish flag is generating controversy of its own at demonstrations from Perth to Aberdeen and from Glasgow to Falkirk.

Competing Nationalisms

This battle for the saltire is additionally a battle about what it means to be a patriot in contemporary Scotland - a battle of opposing patriotisms.

Leading Personalities

A leading figure is one of the prominent figures in these ongoing rallies.

He combines resistance to independence and immigration with sharp criticism of the SNP.

They claimed the saltire as their property and for many years we've allowed them to use it as a instrument of conflict and animosity.

Counter-Protests

The crowd - kept apart from numerous opposing demonstrators by a line of police officers - cheered the denunciation of the national party.

The SNP has wreaked havoc on our nation, dismantling our prosperity and our capabilities at each opportunity.

Immigration Issues

Immigration is a thorn in the side for Labour Prime Minister and looks to be growing up the priority list ahead of the Scottish government elections.

The migrant boat situation and the accommodation of asylum seekers in emergency housing have sparked protests around the Britain.

Local Perspectives

A demonstrator, who identified himself as Mark, held a Union Jack displaying "End Channel Crossings".

He said politicians should be fixing struggling public systems, not spending taxpayers' money on medical and dental care for refugees.

Counter-Arguments

At the temporary housing a gathering of alternative activists, including several labor representatives, had collected.

They also were critical of the prime minister – but for separate causes.

Financial Worries

Both sides appear to share a feeling of dissatisfaction about the nation's weak finances and the bad condition of government services.

The actual problem in contemporary Britain is the people in government who fail to confront these challenges directly.

Housing Crisis

One recurring complaint among activists is about the number of migrants being housed at local authority expense.

The issue is most acute in Scotland's largest city, which has the the nation's biggest amount of refugees in council accommodation.

Emblematic Importance

An asylum seeker, a asylum seeker dwelling in northern Glasgow, believes the St. Andrew's Cross generally signifies tranquility, unity and acceptance.

Yet he states it is presently being waved "for extremist elements and discrimination".

Public Effect

Debates about flags are not only occurring in Scotland's big cities and blue-collar areas.

In the affluent Renfrewshire town of the Weir Bridge area, the raising of Scottish flags has created conflict on the local Facebook group.

Government Consequences

The Scottish leader the First Minister said arguments about immigration were being "fueled by a larger conversation" going on in the UK and around the globe.

I support a Scottish community that is open-minded, receptive and comprehensive.

Election Prospects

Surveys preceding the Scottish parliamentary election show a significant advantage for the SNP.

No matter what banners are shown by whatever political group in the election campaign, border control seems probable to take its place alongside the financial system and government resources as a significant topic.