THE capital of the Highlands will be the next venue for a march and rally for independence following today’s big event in Glasgow.

A fortnight today, on January 25, Inverness will welcome independence supporters from all over the country, united together to show support for a second Scottish independence referendum.

The organisers of the Inverness Freedom March have already had indications from 3000 people that they wish to participate in the march which has been licensed by Highland Council.

The march will start in Walker Park in Inverness at 1pm. The procession will walk through Crown, down Stephen’s Brae, onto the High Street, across the River Ness and along to the Fisherman’s car park on Bught Road.

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For those with mobility concerns or young children who may struggle with the steepness of Stephen’s Brae, there will be a secondary starting point at the bottom of Stephen’s Brae.

Eilidh McKenzie told The National: “We are just a small team of local Scottish independence supporters, not associated with All Under One Banner or any other group, who have come together to unite the Yes movement in the Scottish Highlands. Being in the Highlands means that, for whatever reasons there may be, its just not always practical or manageable to travel to Glasgow or Edinburgh for the big marches. That inspired us to form our own march.

“So far we have more than 3000 interested on the Inverness Freedom March, its set to be a fantastic event.

The organisers said: “We must commend Highland Council on approving this with such short notice and the Highland & Islands Police Division for being so very helpful with assistance planning this route.

“This event will be a joyful celebration for all and will be led by some of the wonderful musicians from Saor Alba Pipes and Drums. Falling on Burns Night, this event promises to be one you’ll never forget.”

The organisers are delighted to announce that members of the Yes Stones group will also be joining them with their Cairn of Yes Stones and Slates on January 25 for our march – weather permitting.

If you’re heading to Inverness for the march, you might want to make a weekend of it as the night before will see SNP Highlands holding their first annual Hooley. The event is scheduled for The Chieftain on Friday, January 24, from 7pm till late. Tickets priced £20 are available on Eventbrite.

SNP Highland said: “We will have an evening of good food, good music all that needs to be added is good company – you!”

They promise that as well as the good food and live music from top Highland acts, there will be speeches from top speakers, a raffle, and above all, great craic.