The Conflict for Scotland's Saltire: Analyzing How the Right-Wing Has Adopted the St. Andrew's Cross
Something has shifted in Scotland.
St. Andrew's Cross, traditionally supported by pro-independence groups, has recently been displayed for a separate purpose.
Up and down the land, the blue and white of St Andrew is waving from streetlights and being waved alongside the Union Jack at anti-immigration protests.
Until recently those two standards were usually spotted on different sides of the conversation over Scotland's future.
Currently the saltire's presence is causing debate of its own at demonstrations from Perth to Aberdeen and from throughout central Scotland.
Clashing Patriotisms
This struggle for Scotland's flag is also a battle about what it represents to be a nationalist in modern Scotland - a struggle among opposing patriotisms.
Key Figures
Steven Rennie is one of the prominent figures in these current demonstrations.
He blends resistance to independence and immigration with strong condemnation of the national party.
They appropriated our national flag as their own and for 12 long years we've permitted them to wield it as a weapon of division and animosity.
Opposing Demonstrations
The assembly - kept apart from numerous opposing demonstrators by a barrier of law enforcement - applauded the criticism of the SNP.
The nationalists have created chaos on the country, undermining our wealth and our potential at each opportunity.
Immigration Issues
Border control is an ongoing issue 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 hotels have sparked protests around the Britain.
Community Views
One protester, who called himself Mark, held a British flag emblazoned with "End Channel Crossings".
He claimed authorities should be addressing struggling public systems, not spending taxpayers' money on medical treatment for migrants.
Counter-Arguments
Near the accommodation a group of counter-protesters, including many trade unionists, had collected.
They too were opposed to the PM – but for separate causes.
Economic Concerns
The opposing groups appear to share a sense of disgust about Britain's struggling economy and the weak situation of government services.
The true concern in our society is the political leaders who aren't tackling these problems head on.
Housing Crisis
A frequent grievance among activists is about the number of migrants being accommodated using council funds.
The situation is particularly severe in Scotland's largest city, which has the the nation's biggest amount of migrants in government shelter.
Representative Significance
Shawn, a migrant residing in north Glasgow, feels the saltire usually represents calm, agreement and integration.
However he says it is presently being waved "for extremist elements and racial prejudice".
Social Consequences
Arguments over emblems are not only occurring in major Scottish urban centers and industrial communities.
In the affluent Renfrewshire village of the Bridge community, the hoisting of saltires has led to a row on the community social media.
Policy Ramifications
The government head the SNP leader said debates concerning migration were being "fueled by a broader discussion" going on in the Britain and internationally.
I support a Scotland that is accepting, hospitable and embracing.
Political Future
Polls ahead of the Scottish parliamentary election indicate a substantial margin for the SNP.
No matter what banners are waved by whichever party in the election campaign, migration appears likely to assume its position alongside the economy and public services as a major concern.
