AYR turned blue and white yesterday as at least 13,000 Yes campaigners marched through the Conservative stronghold in support of Scottish independence.
The All Under One Banner (AUOB) event kicked off along the Ayr seafront at Blackburn Carpark, past the council buildings and through the historic home of Robert Burns before finishing at Low Green for a rousing rally.
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The Saltires matched the blue sky as the sunshine held out for the march, with the wind off the sea ensuring the marchers flags’ flew proudly.
Prior to the event, AUOB tweeted that South Ayrshire council “have fixatedly refused to rescind penalising conditions, not ‘permitting’ #AUOB to rally at Low Green, but this being Public Land we’ve [sic] stated that under common & international law we’re [sic] rallying at Low Green regardless”.
AUOB wrote that they were willing to even pay penalties as long as the right to march was not revoked.
Organisers also took to Twitter to reassure marchers that the rally was still taking place, after rumours that Ayr High Street had been “closed off due to an unsafe building”.
The controversial council intervention before the event seemed to energise the procession, something which was particularly evident when it passed council buildings.
Organisers initially estimated 10,000 attendees, yet from the stage at the rally it was confirmed the figure was closer to 13,000.
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Police Scotland confirmed to The National that at least 10,000 people were participating, with the procession stretching to a mile in length and even, at some points, meeting up as others joined in.
Pipers, accordion players and drummers marched alongside those with personal speakers as marchers waved to friends and family. Groups such as Pensioners for Yes and Bikers for Yes joined the crowds.
Many had travelled from across Scotland to take part in the latest AUOB meet and see friends that they had made at previous events. Dogs were even dressed up in Saltire colours and the march was dotted with face-painted children.
Ayr locals Kyra Lee-Bourke and her mother Moira had never attended an AUOB event until yesterday. “I just love Scotland and I want it to be independent,” said Kyra.
“This is our first – it’s amazing. I feel so patriotic, I love it” her mother said. “I would 100% go to another,” added Kyra.
Star of the procession was 7-year-old James Hippert, who had travelled from Oban to attend the Ayr march. Although not donning his usual kilt, he led the march with chants for independence.
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“My favourite part of the march is when we get to the end and there is loads of cool stuff,” the youngster said. “We’re marching for Scotland today.”
His father Iain explained that they had been to the Oban and Glasgow marches and Edinburgh was next on the list.
“My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are up the front, and they came from Skye to come today. It’s fantastic.”
AUOB organiser Neil Mackay told The Sunday National that the event went as planned despite difficulties with the local council.
“The turnout today was really big and we’re really happy. No incidents as usual. Everyone was very well behaved and there was such a great spirit at the event.
“We had a lot of hassle with the South Ayrshire Council. We submitted the notification last March about the rally, but they only said they found out on the June 21.
“We tried to contact for months, and it was so difficult to get in touch with them. It was utter nonsense.
“The council also wrote saying that the event was looking illegal. It’s the friendliest looking illegal thing I’ve seen.”
Mackay said that despite participation from MSP Alex Neil, he would like more “official support” from the SNP.
“Even a retweet,” he said. “It’s so simple just to show support. We support the SNP, we advise our followers to vote SNP, we’d like that to be reciprocated.”
The organiser also said the event deliberately coincided with an Orange Walk in Glasgow.
“The Boyne march is on and that was one of the reasons we chose today,” he added. “Ayr is such a Conservative area as well.
“It was strategic on the day and location because we wanted to
show a contrast. We’re about keeping the peace.”
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