TENS of thousands of people yesterday braved relentless rain and wind to march to demand Scottish independence. The streets of Glasgow were filled with saltires, EU flags, placards and ponchos as the All Under One Banner (AUOB) march made its way from Kelvingrove Park to Glasgow Green.
Despite the appalling weather, organisers estimated around 80,000 had turned out for the “emergency” demonstration, which was set up after last month’s General Election.
A rally that was set to take place after the march was called off due to the poor weather conditions.
But the heavy rain did not deter the marchers who set off from Kelvin Way with loud cheering and chants demanding independence.
One held a placard reading: “I’d rather be in the rain than be in the ‘UK’”.
Another marcher Dionne Hossack, 17, from Larkhall, said: “The rain is not going to stop us from fighting for our future.
READ MORE: AUOB march: The best signs from the independence march
“This is a fight for my future and for all the other people who can’t march today, I am standing in their place as well.
“I want an independent Scotland and I have done since the age of 12, when the first referendum happened.
“The turnout has been fantastic. Everyone was a bit panicked because we were expecting the bad weather, but it doesn’t stop us – we know what we are fighting for and we will keep doing it until we get it.”
For some it was the first time they had attended an independence march, including David Don, 37, from Falkirk, who was with his wife and two young daughters.
WATCH: Scottish independence supporters kick off Glasgow march
“We are looking for independence and nothing is going to deter us now – this is the first march we have been on,” he said.
“We voted for independence in 2014, but we feel far more strongly about it just now given the current situation, with the Tories getting back into Government.
“For me and my wife it is about the kind of country that we want now – the principles, the morals, the values and the type of country we want to be living in.
“For a big part of Scotland now, the UK Government we have does not represent this country in any way, shape or form now.”
He added: “Considering the weather, the turnout looks phenomenal and it sends an important message.”
Lawson Speirs, 68, from Bearsden, near Glasgow, was also attending an independence march for the first time.
He said: “We are SNP supporters but have never done one before – we thought braving the weather, why not.
“The reason is anti-Boris, really. The difference between Scotland and England is just so enormous.
“They don’t represent us now, they haven’t done for decades and they never will.
“This sort of numbers turning out does show the strength of feeling.”
Some supporters had travelled hundreds of miles to attend the march, making their way from Wales.
READ MORE: AUOB independence march: Top Scottish figures who attended
Geraint Thomas, 46, a member of Yes Cymru, the Welsh independence campaign, got up at 4am to travel to Glasgow.
“We just want to show support for the Scottish cause and we are going to learn a lot from it,” he said.
“We are a few years behind you on where the campaign is at and where our politics as a nation is at as well – but this is so inspiring for us.”
He added: “We are all turning from indy-curious into indy-confident and we can see what is happening here, where it seems like the whole nation is totally indy-confident.”
The bad weather did prevent some from reaching the march, with the Yes Arran group tweeting it had held its own rally on the island after the boats were called off.
READ MORE: AUOB march: The best signs from the independence march
Ahead of the event, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon sent a message of support.
She tweeted: “Good luck to everyone marching for independence in Glasgow today – hope the weather isn’t too bad! Sorry I can’t be there today, but look forward to seeing you all again soon. In the meantime, sending my support and best wishes.”
Other SNP politicians did take part in the march, including justice secretary Humza Yousaf, MSP Sandra White and MP Pete Wishart.
SNP depute leader Keith Brown, who also attended, said: “If the UK remains a democracy then Scotland must have the right to choose. Plain and simple.
“Scotland has voted repeatedly for that opportunity and it’s what people in Scotland believe must now be secured – giving Scotland the chance to escape this Westminster mess and determine our own future.”
Brown said Boris Johnson’s “hard-line, hard-Brexit, pro-Trump, anti-Scotland” Government presents a "clear and present danger” to our country.
READ MORE: AUOB independence march: Top Scottish figures who attended
He added: “The reality is that Tory opposition to an independence referendum becomes less sustainable by the day. Scotland won’t stand for it.
“Democracy must prevail, and Scotland will have the right to choose our own future.”
A series of AUOB marches have been arranged throughout the year, with the next in Arbroath in April.
Neil Mackay, national coordinator of AUOB, said: “It went very well today – despite the weather, there was a tremendous crowd with about 80,000 people.
“It was a great atmosphere and it is being led by the people, which is so important.
“It sends a message to Westminster that you cannot deny us our right to decide.”
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