DESPITE last-minute hitches, the All Under One Banner (AUOB) march and rally for independence is preparing to go ahead as planned in Oban, with the final route and rally venue confirmed.
At the 11th hour, Argyll and Bute Council wanted to impose conditions on the rally element, but AUOB members successfully argued that the event had been months in the planning without these impositions being mentioned. The council eventually gave its approval and waived its fee for the use of Mossfield Stadium.
Participants are asked to gather at the designated start point, the Atlantis Leisure Car Park, from 1.45pm today. A collection for the Oban food bank will be taken up and tinned goods will be particularly welcome.
The stewards will form up the march that will leave at 2:30pm prompt, led by the AUOB flag carrier and the Saor Alba Pipes and Drums.
Rain and sunshine are both possible. AUOB said: “Please remember to dress appropriately for the weather and to bring water and sunscreen as required.
READ MORE: AUOB march organiser will bring banner of independence home to Oban
“Stewards and police are there to ensure that everyone has a good time and stays safe, so please obey any instructions given by them.
“Remember the stewards are volunteers and are there to make sure the event is a success.”
The organisers expect a small counter-demonstration but hopefully not the alleged sabotage attempt which happened at Galashiels, where screws were strewn in front of the Yes Bikers, puncturing a number of tyres. AUOB said: “Any counter demonstrations will be handled by specialised stewards – marchers can either ignore them or smile and wave.
“We recommend no standing beside them or mixing in with them – our movement doesn’t need any negative publicity.
“The Unionists have now started to plant infiltrators hoping for a ‘Kodak moment’ to portray us in a bad light. We will not allow that to happen to be broadcast across the world by the Unionist press spreading fake news.”
READ MORE: This is all you need to know about AUOB's indy march in Oban
AUOB has appealed for volunteer stewards to help with the arrangements. Anyone wishing to volunteer should make themselves known to named organiser Fiona Cameron and her team at the march’s starting point.
There will also be clearly identified AUOB volunteers and Yes group members as well as Saor Alba band helpers collecting money. Stallholders for the rally are recommended to arrive from 11am. Once at Mossfield Stadium they will be directed by AUOB site manager Alastair Gordon Rennie on where to park vehicles and set up stalls.
AUOB said: “The Unionists would like to see this march fail, so please do not give them any ammunition.
“The AUOB team is made up of just a handful of people who have dedicated hundreds of hours behind the scenes. We need your help to make sure this march is run safely and the great reputation of the independence movement is preserved and promoted worldwide.
“Please help make all of this possible with any donation you can give as we have five more marches this year.
“Come along and enjoy the day, bring your flags, pipes and drums. Bring your family and friends, encourage others to join us. Are you excited? We sure are.”
“Let the independence thunder be heard across the Gateway to the Isles the AUOB way.”
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