The Struggle for Scotland's Flag: Exploring Why the Right Has Embraced the St. Andrew's Cross

Something has shifted in the Scottish landscape.

The saltire, historically adopted by pro-independence groups, has currently been waved for a alternative movement.

Up and down the land, the blue and white of Saint Andrew is flying from poles and being waved alongside the union flag at anti-immigration protests.

Previously those two symbols were typically observed on different sides of the conversation over Scotland's future.

Now the showing of the Scottish flag is sparking disagreement of its own at rallies from Aberdeen to Perth and from Falkirk to Glasgow.

Clashing Patriotisms

This struggle for the saltire is furthermore a battle about what it represents to be a loyal citizen in today's Scotland - a conflict between competing nationalisms.

Prominent Voices

A leading figure is a central personality in these recent protests.

He combines resistance to independence and migration with strong condemnation of the national party.

They seized the saltire as their symbol and for many years we've allowed them to employ it as a tool of separation and hate.

Counter-Protests

The assembly - kept apart from numerous opposing demonstrators by a cordoning of police - applauded the criticism of the national party.

The party has caused damage on the country, weakening our economy and our capabilities at every turn.

Immigration Issues

Immigration is a thorn in the side for the government leader and looks to be growing up the priority list ahead of the Holyrood elections.

The small boats crisis and the sheltering of migrants in emergency housing have fuelled demonstrations around the UK.

Regional Opinions

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

He said politicians should be fixing failing government services, not using public funds on healthcare services for refugees.

Counter-Arguments

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

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

Financial Worries

The opposing groups appear to share a sense of disgust about Britain's struggling economy and the bad condition of public services.

The real issue in contemporary Britain is the elected officials who fail to confront these issues squarely.

Shelter Problems

A frequent grievance among demonstrators is about the quantity of immigrants being accommodated using council funds.

The problem is especially serious 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 north Glasgow, believes the saltire usually represents peace, harmony and inclusion.

Yet he says it is presently being waved "for the far-right and discrimination".

Community Impact

Arguments over emblems are not just raging in Scotland's big cities and blue-collar areas.

In the prosperous Renfrewshire village of the Weir Bridge area, the hoisting of saltires has caused controversy on the local Facebook group.

Political Implications

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said debates concerning migration were being "fanned by a wider debate" going on in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

I believe in a Scottish community that is tolerant, welcoming and inclusive.

Voting Possibilities

Research before the Scottish parliamentary election show a significant advantage for the Scottish National Party.

No matter what banners are shown by any political organization in the political race, border control seems probable to assume its position alongside the financial system and government resources as a significant topic.