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Thousands gather for Scottish independence rally Thousands at Scottish independence rally in Edinburgh
(about 2 hours later)
Thousands of independence supporters have gathered in Edinburgh for a rally backing a yes vote in the referendum. Thousands of people have taken part in an event in Edinburgh aimed at demonstrating support for independence.
Alex Salmond was due to address the March and Rally for an Independent Scotland, which is not part of the official Yes Scotland campaign. Crowds waving saltires and lion rampant flags gathered in the Meadows before heading to Princes Street Gardens.
Supporters waving saltires and lion rampant flags met in the Meadows before heading to Princes Street Gardens where speakers addressed the crowds. Several speakers, including SNP leader Alex Salmond, addressed the crowds.
The SNP leader wants to hold the referendum vote in autumn 2014. Politicians, civil action groups and entertainers attended the event. It was staged under the banner Independence for Scotland and is not part of the official Yes Scotland campaign.
Lothian and Borders Police estimated that about 5,000 people were taking part in the march and rally. Lothian and Borders Police estimated that about 5,000 people took part in the march and rally.
It is the first in a series of events planned in the run up to the independence vote.It is the first in a series of events planned in the run up to the independence vote.
Independent MSP Margo MacDonald and Scottish Green party leader Patrick Harvie were also due to make speeches. Mr Salmond, who wants to hold the referendum vote in autumn 2014, told those gathered Scots had the right to choose a national health service, no tuition fees and minimum alcohol pricing.
Important step He said: "We believe that just as the skies around Scotland were lit up by meteors last night, this campaign will light up Scotland over the next two years
Comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli, lawyer Aamer Anwar and writer Alan Bissett were attending along with representatives from groups including Scottish CND, Young Scots for Independence and Citizens Against Public Service Cuts. "I've spoken to many crowds in these gardens over the last few years but never to a rally of a scale and breadth and width of this great rally today."
Organiser Jeff Duncan said the number of coach seats booked suggested thousands of people from across Scotland were likely to turn out, with many more expected from Edinburgh itself. Comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli, lawyer Aamer Anwar and writer Alan Bissett attended the event along with representatives from groups including Scottish CND, Young Scots for Independence and Citizens Against Public Service Cuts.
Mr Duncan said the event was the first of three rallies, with another planned for this time next year and the biggest set for September 2014. Independent MSP Margo MacDonald also addressed the rally.
Mr Salmond said in a statement on the event website: "The March and Rally in Edinburgh is another important step on the road to completing Scotland's home rule journey and I look forward to seeing you all there". She said: "If a third of Scots believe in independence and want independence now, every one of us has got two years to persuade another Scot, and then we're home and dry.
Margo MacDonald said: "Forget the partisan posturing. Get there and stand four-square with other independently-minded folk". "That's not fanciful, that's just practical."
Peter Walls, 46, from Dundee, said: "I think today is a warm-up for 2014. For me it's about self-choice, about not being dictated to."
The SNP member said he had wanted independence "since Thatcher was in power".
June Sutherland, 64, from Broxburn in West Lothian, said she had not supported independence a year ago but now felt differently.
She added: "I didn't expect the turnout today. I'm proud to be here."
Lothian and Borders Police said two people were arrested for minor offences.