The Battle for the Scottish Flag: Analyzing How the Right-Wing Has Embraced the St. Andrew's Cross

A transformation has taken place in Scotland.

St. Andrew's Cross, historically adopted by pro-independence groups, has now been unfurled for a alternative movement.

Up and down the land, the azure and white of Saint Andrew is waving from streetlights and being displayed with the union flag at demonstrations against immigration.

Previously those two standards were more often seen on separate camps of the debate about Scotland's future.

Presently the saltire's presence is sparking disagreement of its own at demonstrations from Perth to Aberdeen and from Glasgow to Falkirk.

Clashing Patriotisms

This struggle for the Scottish flag is furthermore a struggle concerning what it means to be a loyal citizen in modern Scotland - a battle of competing nationalisms.

Leading Personalities

A leading figure is one of the prominent figures in these recent protests.

He blends resistance to independence and migration with sharp criticism of the national party.

They claimed the saltire as their symbol and for 12 long years we've let them to wield it as a instrument of conflict and hostility.

Counter-Protests

The assembly - separated from hundreds of counter-protesters by a barrier of law enforcement - cheered the denunciation of the SNP.

The party has caused damage on Scotland, undermining our wealth and our potential at all times.

Immigration Issues

Migration is a persistent problem for Labour Prime Minister and seems to be increasing up the agenda ahead of the Holyrood elections.

The small boats crisis and the sheltering of migrants in emergency housing have sparked protests around the UK.

Community Views

A demonstrator, who called himself Mark, held a British flag emblazoned with "Halt the Boats".

He stated government should be repairing ailing public services, not allocating citizen resources on healthcare services for migrants.

Opposing Views

Outside the hotel a group of counter-protesters, including numerous union members, had assembled.

They too were opposed to the government leader – but for separate causes.

Budgetary Issues

The two camps appear to share a feeling of dissatisfaction about the nation's weak finances and the poor state of community resources.

The actual problem in contemporary Britain is the people in government who aren't tackling these issues directly.

Accommodation Shortage

A frequent grievance among demonstrators is about the number of migrants being accommodated using council funds.

The problem is most acute in Glasgow, which has the UK's highest number of migrants in government shelter.

Emblematic Importance

An asylum seeker, a asylum seeker dwelling in Glasgow's north side, believes the Scottish flag typically symbolizes calm, agreement and integration.

However he claims it is currently being displayed "by right-wing groups and racial prejudice".

Public Effect

Arguments over emblems are not only occurring in major Scottish urban centers and industrial communities.

In the affluent Renfrewshire town of the Bridge community, the raising of Scottish flags has led to a row on the community social media.

Policy Ramifications

The government head John Swinney said discussions regarding border control were being "fanned by a larger conversation" going on in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

I support a Scotland that is accepting, hospitable and embracing.

Election Prospects

Surveys preceding the Scottish parliamentary election indicate a significant advantage for the Scottish National Party.

Regardless of which flags are shown by whichever party in the election campaign, border control seems probable to take its place alongside the economy and public services as a significant topic.