Two pro-independence campaigners who took part in the All Under One Banner march across Perth on Saturday.

Local politicians John Swinney MSP and Pete Wishart MP addressed the crowds at Perth’s North Inch on Saturday afternoon.

Mustering at the southern end of the park near the monument, the pair gave impassioned pleas for continued support for Scottish independence.

Deputy First Minister Mr Swinney said: “It gives me enormous pleasure to welcome so many people to Perth to demonstrate their solidarity and support for an independent Scotland.

“This is a tremendous occasion and in all my 40 years of campaigning for Scottish independence, I have never felt so optimistic.”

Mr Wishart said: “It’s great to see people filling the streets. This is a time redolent of opportunity.

“This city voted ‘No’ significantly, but people are now considering joining our movement.”

Also among the marchers at the All Under One Banner event in Perth on Saturday was former Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan, who praised the “warm embrace” from the city.

Former MSP Sheridan has taken part in similar processions across the country and has called on political leaders to name a date for a second referendum.

He said: “Today has been a tremendous show of support for Scottish independence yet again, with another march of thousands.

“Look at it from Glasgow to Oban, to Aberdeen to Perth.

“We are all over the country and everywhere we go we are getting a warm embrace.

“It is clear that the 55% has melted and switched sides.

“The only thing missing is the date. Please SNP leaders, name the date.

“We’ve got a mandate, we’ve had it for three years. We have to use it.

“There is clearly going to be a (general) election in November and the SNP manifesto has to say the date that we’re going to hold Indyref2, not just say in the future.

“If we don’t, we’re in danger of losing this enthusiasm.”