Green light for indy march

Pro-independence supporters have been told they will be welcome in Arbroath if a hoped-for 10,000 arrive in town for a Declaration march.

On Tuesday, All Under One Banner (AUOB) got the green light for a rally on April 2.

The organisation originally hoped to stage the procession in 2020, on the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath.

But the march, and a plan for it to go ahead in 2021, fell victim to the pandemic.

Bob Fotheringham, of AUOB, said: “Two years ago, prior to the pandemic, there was an agreement that went through the committee to a very similar proposal.

“We have a series of rallies taking place across Scotland this year. We’ve had rallies in excess of 150,000 people.

“There has never been an issue – they are well attended, well stewarded and peaceful.”

He said they hope to bring as many as 70 coachloads of supporters to the Angus town.

The march route will take the crowd through the town centre and past the Abbey before finishing at Victoria Park.

Mr Fotheringham added: “I don’t know if we’ll get 10,000 given the circumstances we’re in just now.

“We often find that smaller businesses benefit greatly from people who will go to the shops and use bars and restaurants.

“Hopefully, it will go ahead, and we’ll have a nice day out.”

The police told the civic licensing meeting that they did not envisage any disorder, adding: “It will cause significant resources to be put to it, but we are planning for that.

“It will also cause significant disruption to the town for a time, but that’s what happens with these things.”

Arbroath SNP councillor Alex King said: “I’ve no problems with this.

“I would welcome 10,000 people walking around Arbroath looking to get a cup of tea or a meal.

“I just regret that the other two have been cancelled and hope they don’t have another cancellation in 2022.”

AUOB was told it must follow whatever Covid restrictions are in place at the time and that no vehicles are to be allowed in the procession.

RALLY: The planned route of the pro-independence march through Arbroath on April 2.