Handshakes, hugs and hope
I didn’t take nearly enough photos. But there’ll be more coming from others.
What a day that was.
In the end, despite the last-minute scrog-up with the assembly point, I reckon I managed to meet about 300 Wings readers either on the High Street or on Calton Hill. Here’s some of our team coming down North Bridge.
And some more coming along Regent Road, where the best sight was Tom Gordon of the Herald scurrying madly past the marchers in order to take some pictures of me and tweet the most unflattering one he could find. He didn’t come and chat, curiously.
My supply of 200 badges (100 silver Wings lions and 100 button-badge shield logos) lasted roughly 90 seconds. I’d barely climbed the last step of Fleshmarket Close at around 10.40am, gasping like the unfit old man I am, when an absolute throng spotted the Wings flag and swarmed around me like super-friendly locusts.
The crowd already stretched as far as the eye could see up the High Street at that point, and after shaking a forest of hands outside the Albannach and rashly accepting a generous offer of a pint of Crabbie’s (it’s never too early for a Fusilier), stewards told us we had to get into the road or we’d lose our spot and have to go right to the back, so we tucked in between Yes Aberdeen and Farming For Independence and waited.
The march paused for a good while outside the old Scottish Office building (I think) for no immediately obvious reason, where a couple of the many lovely Ladies Of Wings (no names, just in case) posed for this shot in front of irrepressible SNP MSP Christian Allard on Regent Road, and where we met a surprise guest (below right).
And from then up onto the Hill itself, which was already very busy when we arrived despite our being near the front. We found a spot (a hollow near one of the large video screens, which turned out to be a poor acoustic choice) and surveyed the scene.
Throughout the whole day, streams of people came up and introduced themselves as readers, many of them offering incredibly touching comments and testimonies. Several even insisted on pressing £5, £10 and £20 notes into my hand despite my protestations that it wasn’t necessary and that we weren’t doing any fundraising. I’ll find something good to spend the resulting three-figure sum on.
This site isn’t normally a place of gushing emotions, but I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to come up and say hello, from the bottom of my heart. You can’t possibly know what it means to hear how much people love Wings Over Scotland, and for so many different reasons.
The people who’ve always been for independence, those who’d been converted by things they read here, those who spread the word, and all the others. To all of you – I’m humbled almost (but evidently not quite) beyond these few inadequate words. I gulped down a lump in my throat more than once.
Above is just one section of the crowds away from the main “arena” in front of the National Monument. I was told in the middle of the day that the police put the crowd at 20,000 or so, Nicola Sturgeon said it might be as many as 30,000 from the stage, and the BBC, bless them, estimated 8,000.
I have no idea, it being almost impossible to gauge that sort of thing on Calton Hill unless you were armed with a clicker at the entrance, but it was certainly a lot more than 2012’s crowd, so make of that what you will.
I’ll write more later, and other people will have far better pictures and videos, but I just wanted to put something up right now. The rally was amazing, the speeches by Nicola Sturgeon, Dennis Canavan and Allan Grogan were standouts, and I had an awesome time. You’re all fantastic. We’re going to win. Now I need some dinner.
It was good seeing the flag come out, and it was good to meet you and be first to get handed my badge Stuart. Most people I had spoke to had heard of you and NNS so you can take much confidence from your reach. We all need to now push this further, outwards and upwards.
What an amazing day.
YES!
I was keeping more than just an eye out for you and as it turns out I could only have been 20 feet in front of you….damn! Anyway,it was simply to thank you for all you and you team have done! Not forgetting many who post here,there is more than just hope out there! Big well done to all!
That was a lovely piece Rev.
Here are mine:
link to flickr.com
I was there and looked for you .. searched all over but unfortunately in vain! The march was a fantastic experience, it took us almost an hour to walk from our place in the Royal Mile and up to Calton Hill. We reached the bottom of the hill just as Elaine C Smith was delivering a powerful speech! So sorry we missed a lot of it!
Nicola Sturgeon, Alan Grogan, Dennis Canavan and Alex Salmond brilliant speeches. I heard 30, 000 was the figure quoted by the police. We all know the BBC can’t count or tell the truth.
You’re righ Stu, WE ARE GOING TO WIN THIS! Feeling so optimistic and uplifted! All in all a wonderful day!
Well where are you? We’re eating at the Barony.
“Well where are you? We’re eating at the Barony.”
I flipping well hiked all the way down there and there was no sight or sound of anyone, and the doorman said “They just left five minutes ago” (goodness knows how he knew who I was looking for, was probably just some other Yes types), so I hauled myself back up the hill, got some chips and sat on the steps of the cathedral eating them. I saw National Collective go by, but these youngsters all look the same to me and I couldn’t tell if it was the nice ones or the twatty ones, so I didn’t bother shouting.
By the time I finished my chips I was pretty bushed, so I thought “bugger it” and went home.
What a great day. My 16 yr old son and his girlfriend were gobsmacked, never having been at anything like it. Two more for the Yes vote!
It was great to be there and meet some fellow WoS followers, including the man himself.
Superbly organised, great speakers and entertainers. For me, Alan Bissett was the star.
Great pics, Rev – and it was good to see you today.
Looking forward to seeing pics from the wee helicopter flying-cam thing, as well.
Excellent – I managed to avoid being any of the photos! 🙂
As I’ve just said on the last thread, it was just a real lift to wander down the road surrounded by thousands of other Yes supporters.
Now lets make sure that next year it’s a birthday party – celebrating the re-birth of our great nation!
What took me was the level of international support, that was really something else.
So many different creeds under one church, simply fantastic day of chatting and meeting people from all over the world.
The last one has to be monumental, and a much longer march!
Actually, I tell a lie! I’m skulking in the background of the photo of our old friend!
By the way, we’re in the Barony having fish and chips fending off the National Collective intermitantly. Just FYI.
The BBC website and TV News is saying that the police estimate that 8,000 took part but where we stood the numbers appeared to be far greater and the organisers claim of 20,000 to 30,000 must be closer to the mark.I have to say I thought the Calton Hill venue was a very poor choice of venue because of its topography as only a few hundred could actually see the speakers directly and the rest had to rely on the large TV screens to see and hear what was being said. Also the marching route itself was not as impressive as last years was coming down the Mound. In fact I had the distinct feeling that this years marchers were being corralled by the police and routed along a way that kept them as far away from Princes street as possible.Princes Street Gardens Ross Bandstand area as used last year is a natural amphitheatre and therefore was a far superior venue.
A march starting off from Parliament Square and going right down the High Street and then past the parliament building to end up at a rally venue at Holyrood Park would have been far more suitable and impressive.
Hopefully the organisers of next years final rally will take heed.
It was good to say hello, even briefly. Everyone I’ve spoke to in the campaign knows Wings Over Scotland. The next year is going to be hard work, but worth it and your part in it is absolutely vital. Thank you for being here and doing it!
Brilliant day!! – we will reach that critical mass and take back our independence!
Thanks for the wee badge Stu and all that you do for the cause!
I’m guessing the halt before the hall may have been as the police realised they had seriously under estimated the numbers, and were wondering what to do. Whilst awaiting our host outside the Albanach a friendly wpc mentioned they were planning for 10-15k.
What a great day; managed to lose my flag, but the wings badge remains preciously pinned to the shirt. Highlights too many to mention but spine-tingling A Man’s A Man and rousing speeches.
Great to meet up and put names to faces, smiling for cameras from all parts of the globe it seemed, excepet PQ. Home at last.
So, what was the mini-helicopter / drone thing then? Any ideas?
Just in the door, cracking day, and wonderful to meet so many of you. Somehow I managed to miss the Wings flag and ended up marching with Yes Argyll or something with a couple of old friends finally managed to catch up with a few of you on the Hill but there were so many people there it was nigh impossible spotting people (although the Major’s flag was a give away). Left a bit sharp as one my friends was absolutely desperate for the loo and the one area the organisers did slip up on was too few loos (the queue was a form of medieval torture)…presumably they weren’t expecting quite so many either.
Thought Nicola delivered a cracking speech, she is really growing as a politician, and Alan Grogan was also excellent…I hadn’t realised he was such a good speaker.
On numbers I have no idea, perhaps the chap with the remarkable gizmo (confess, who didn’t want one) will be able to shed light with his extensive footage from a bird’s eye perspective. The BBC 8,000 figure was out before the march was even complete so goodness knows how they did that….did they write the story last night? If proved wrong I’m a fair chap, the entire BBC News editorial staff should be fired as enemies of the people …..preferably from the gun on the castle esplanade 🙂
What a day. So marvelous to meet so many of you. Big hullo to Rev, Jeannie, Morag, Oldnat, BuggerthePanda, and many others 🙂 today was everything I hoped for, so many enthusiastic, happy, passionate Yes supporters, just gobsmacking. I now have no doubts. We can do this.
sadly, now at home dosed up on voltarol, damn my back … 🙂 don’t care … Today was terrific and so worth it.
Rev, very glad you connected, met us all and saw how genuinely engaged, grateful and positive we all are about Wings over Scotland. We are truly involved, committed (not in a help! police! keep away from me kind of thing) and I’m looking forward to the 361 sleeps left 🙂
Didn’t manage last year as I work every weekend, but this year I had it marked on my diary as a day off as soon as it was announced. What a great day. Will be there for next next year’s too, well done the organisers, and well done Stu, great to meet you.
g.p
Major B, was that a well loved Tilley you were wearing?
i had my T3 in my bag, along with some noodles, but it wasn’t raining so I didn’t need it.
I spoke to the chap (Will) with the heli-cam outside the Albanach. He is doing a photo-journalist thing about the Indy campaign.
Kathleen had her wee WoS badge pinned on her shirt later when she was less shy; you’ll ken what I mean.
Cheers guys and nice to meet you.
Next time I need to put the family up in a hotel so I don’t need to drive home early!
😉
Marian – you can’t use Holyrood Park for political rallies – especially of an independence flavour as it’s the Queens Park.
I know, it’s ridiculous.
Good to see some photos up, it’s been a long day for us who couldn’t make it – trying to garner any tit bits of news on how things were proceeding. When the BBC announced 8k I had to laugh. Watching the live webcam this morning you could clearly tell it was way more than that.
Looking forward to hearing more about the speeches.
Well done the lot of you from my flu-ridden sick bed.
@Ally So, what was the mini-helicopter / drone thing then? Any ideas?
I saw a guy with a Yes tabard and a big camera with it poking out the back of his backpack – so I’m guessing it was filming taking some ‘overhead’ footage.
It was great to meet you Stu and thanks for the badge. On the way down I met a young couple carrying Saltires on the platform at Inverkeithing and was delighted to discover they were fellow Wingsers.
What a great day. Elaine C. Smith’s opening address was also very moving.
It amazing! It was lovely to meet you Rev! You were a very popular man! I also had the pleasure of meeting Scottish_skier! (Namely because he was also being well sought after and his mum was very proud he was a star! 🙂 )
great rally! Can’t wait for next year!!
i think you are right calling them enemies of our people, they really really are
Glad to meet you outside the pub. (from one of the grasping hands) lol . Thanks a lot. You motivated me, the wife and the kids to do something that we have never done before. Something special is happening. Cheers!
Sorry missed you but in a crowd of 30,000 not surprising. Reporting Scotland a disgrace managing to squeeze in an interview with a couple of bettertogether ladies in an empty street, in the same March report. Well I’m filled with enthusiasm once more and bring it on.! Standout emotional speeches – Aamer Anwar, Nicola.
Let’s do it!
“Standout emotional speeches – Aamer Anwar, Nicola.”
Aye, Aamer Anwar’s was pretty good too. Suffered a wee bit from coming near the end and retreading a lot of ground covered by previous speakers, but impressively eloquent and passionate.
Well, I failed miserably to rendezvous with the Wings contingent but I still enjoyed the day hugely. I ended up elbowing my way into the “Yes Montrose” group for no other reason than they were a friendly looking lot.
I spotted Bugger (The Panda) thanks to his distinctive T-shirt. He’s very distinguished in the flesh. There was also an equally-handsome individual carrying a saltire with a portrait of MajorBloodnok….
Highlights?
1) Seeing the vast range of people who attended. We’re a VERY broad church.
2) Shouting “YES!” until I was hoarse during the speeches of Eck and Alan Grogan.
3) Alan Bisset’s recitation of “Vote Britain”. The effect it had on the crowd was astonishing. Laughing one moment; staring thoughtfully at the ground the next moment.
4) Exchanging pleasantries with Ruth Wishart. I might be developing an innappropriate crush.
5) Remembering just how gloriously beautiful our capital is
Thank you Stu. I’m glad everyone had fun today. The atmosphere was like nothing I’ve every seen before.
My group was right up near the back of the march. You should have heard the roar which happened when, while we were still waiting to move off, we got word that the front of the crowd had reached the Hill. That, to me, is the entire day in a nutshell.
“Reporting Scotland a disgrace managing to squeeze in an interview with a couple of bettertogether ladies in an empty street, in the same March report”
They have a duty to present both sides of the debate don’t they?
Nice to meet you, Stu, with my brother Gerry up on the hill.
Jimmy
“farrochie”
Awesome, awesome stuff today. 😮
Inspired – to see the breadth of support from such disparate corners of Scottish society and geography on the march, and hear such visionary voices from the stage.
This is winnable. If only a minority of Yes voters could find availability, ability and motivation to take part today – well what a minority, and what size the wider yes vote?
Game on!
culreoch
“The BBC 8,000 figure was out before the march was even complete so goodness knows how they did that”
Presumably it was based on the official police estimate of 8,300.
Great to meet you today Stuart, and thank you for the badge.
It was a wonderful day. And every one of the 30,000 people there today will spend the next year talking to family, friends and colleagues, encouraging and informing.
Many of the people who aren’t yet sure will ask questions, think things through, and come to the conclusion that the best way forward for Scotland is for us to make our own decisions from now on.
WOS is a precious resource, and give us somewhere we can point people to, where they can find an alternative to the twisted view of reality we get from much of the media.
People want independence, and in the next 12 months we need to take every opportunity to give people the informtion they need, to decide for themselves.
Thank you for being such an important part of this.
This tweet was a little surprising, though Duncan’s honesty is refreshing.
Duncan Hothersall ?@dhothersall2h
Breaking holiday #indyref twitter silence to say am inclined to believe 20k fig from #indyrally organisers rather than police 8k. Well done.
Aw could’ny find yie.
“i think you are right calling them enemies of our people, they really really are”
This is exactly the sort of rhetoric we need to avoid if we’re to have any chance of convincing the undecideds to vote yes.
Your type of comments are more suited to the rabid bile-spewing fanatics who haunt the Scotsman.
As I posted on the earlier thread have to say that the European groups there today made it quite a colourful event. I liked the tenement on the Royal Mile that had a big spider that seemed to go up and down – no doubt a reference to Robert de Bruce. We were too late arriving to hear some of the earlier speeches but heard snippits from the big screen near St Andrews House and got half of Margo’s speech. It was good to see people of all ages and all creeds, colours and political animals of all hues. Nice to listen to the Welsh Choir. My ears are still ringing for getting too close to the PA. I am looking forward to seeing all the photos and videos the Dundee crowd took.
Don’t you just hate all these wings badge holders and their constant bumming? Grrrrrr (He says, green with envy).
Lumps in throats are usually caused by the impact of doing something you consider to be interesting but normal; when it is then made clear to you, by people you do not know, that you are doing something extraordinary and that they love you for it (gulp).
You are giving a voice to us when most of us can only rage against the machine – thank you .
“Lumps in throats are usually caused by the impact of doing something you consider to be interesting but normal; when it is then made clear to you, by people you do not know, that you are doing something extraordinary and that they love you for it (gulp).”
That’s about it in a nutshell.
imagine the rally had been advertised and promoted. would have been thousands more
Stu – great to meet you – well worth flying back from China for in itself!! (even if Gallowglass got the badges :(…..) Alan Grogan and Alan Bisset (wow – that was unexpected!!) excellent – Nicola and Alex I expect to be excellent, but what strick this year (as last) was Alex did a comparatively small speech, making sure he did not unfairly take attention from others. Amir Anwar’s anger was stirring, and Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh was absolutely cracking!
Having a hard time thinking of what would be a good enough venue for what might easily be 50,000 at next year’s, as I think we have now clearly outgrown Princes Street Gardens!!
Saw who I thought was you near the Tron with the Wings Flag but you were chatting to some people. I went to get a coffee and when I got back you were gone. Wanted to say hello and apologise for my appalling Twitter etiquette. Still haven’t quite got the hang of it. Turned out you must just have been in front of us on the March. Thank you for all your work over the past year. It’s been a great day and seeing as there is so little reporting tonight we need you more than ever for the next year.
Good report on RT a few minutes ago
I also had the pleasure of meeting Scottish_skier! (Namely because he was also being well sought after and his mum was very proud he was a star!
Was a pleasure too.
And well it was my Mum…
She writes a lot better stuff than me (plugs Mum)…
What a very special day even better than last year. it was very emotional on several occasions just great to be part of a people’s movement.
“imagine the rally had been advertised and promoted. would have been thousands more”
Why wasn’t it? Does anyone know whether the rally organisers got in touch with their equivalents in Catalonia to discuss how they managed to convince 1 million or so Catalans to attend their independence march last year?
If not then it would certainly be a good idea for next time, polls do suggest that far more Catalans support independence than Scots, but nonetheless they must have some good ideas and advertising/promotion techniques for getting more people on the march next time?
Munguin was delighted to meet you, Stu, and to get his badge which he now wears with pride, and, I’d add, wore when being photographed with Humza Yousaf and later Shona Robison and Stewart Hosie.
It was one of the best days ever… The whole atmosphere was warm and friendly. We were all together. I spoke to people from so many different places; there were old and young and people of all colours, and we shared, tales, aspirations, flags, biscuits, sandwiches… We just shared the day with people we’d never seen before.
I can’t think of another time when I’ve met so many lovely friendly strangers.
It was just awesome.
I think it’s high time that BBC news people were paid less money than they now are. If they thought that that was 8,000, they really don’t deserve grown up salaries.
Still, if it pleases them to pretend that only 8000 people came out, fine. All they do with nonsense like this is reinforce the complacency so many no voters feel. Power to their elbows.
Great day, enjoyed march and speeches. Good to meet Rev Stu and a few others. If the BBC seriously are reporting that only 8,000 attended, then they really need to have a word with themselves (yes even by BBC Scotland’s standards that is a quite remarkable thing to say!). That is an outright Jackie Baillie…
@Marian
I am afraid to say that if we had went to the Ross Bandstand again there would have been severe crushing. It would have been impossible. The choice to change was absolutely the right decision. Have to say a massive thanks you to the organisers. Fantastic job. However, I agree that for a considerable amount of people it must have been very hard to see the stage at all. I was watching the TV screen. I hope next year’s route will either end in the Meadows or Holyrood Park. In saying that, the organisers did a great job, and Carlton hill is a special, historic site in its own right.
Had a great time too. Sorry we missed you, had tried to find your banner, but ended up squeezing ourselves in between Argyll and Ayrshire banners. Look forward to next year…
Please for the love of God, don’t bite.
Re the crowd size, and just for fun (though I see someone is still clinging to the police estimate):
We know that the front of the march had reached Calton Hill while the back of it was still assembled on the High Street, filling up not just the road but also the area to the west of St Giles. The area of road used for marching between GIV Bridge and the hill totals, on a rough estimate, 16,300 square metres – at the point when the front of the march reached the hill that entire area was populated by demonstrators.
Now, a standard rule for estimating crowds suggests that a light crowd will occupy space at .92 square metres per person. A dense crowd occupies it at .41 square metres pp. Let’s say this crowd was medium-light in density on average, allowing for the uneven distribution of people at different points along the route. So shall we go for about .8 square metres pp? Then that’s 16,300 square metres of space divided up at .8 square metres per person, which makes a total of 20,375 people.
Or thereabouts. And if you think this is rough and ready, you can rest assured that plod doesn’t do it in any more exact and scientific a manner.
“If the BBC seriously are reporting that only 8,000 attended, then they really need to have a word with themselves”
That’s what the official police figure was (8,300), so presumably they’re basing their reporting on the figure from a neutral organisation that has considerable experience of crowd counting, rather than the estimates from groups who have a vested interest in inflating (or deflating) the figures.
And wasn’t it good to see Derek Bateman, shedding ten years, unshackled, helped around by Ruth Wishart.
“And wasn’t it good to see Derek Bateman, shedding ten years, unshackled, helped around by Ruth Wishart.”
I wish I had. Kevin McKenna was apparently there too.
Publius, while bbc are supposed to be neutral, the report today was on the March. not a debate, not anything to do with #bettertogether
I got a badge of you Stu many thanks although I never managed to talk to you. The rally was a huge uplifting experience for me/ marching behind the band down the mile and over the N Bridge, for me that was the very best bit.
The impression I am left with is that the Police went out of their way to spoil this, not the officers on the ground but what ever high ranking twat decided it was good idea to coral us in behind barriers on the mile. To have a VIP area that was as much uses as a chocolate fire guard. Who the fuck in Scotland wants VIPs it is VIPs that got us in the shit we are in. The VIPs should be expected to rub shoulders with the plebs, there was no need whatever for that nonsense. Typical official meddling. We were shunted backwards for about 50 yards at one point, a wholly dangerous and again uneccessary manouvere, as there was pressure from the crowds behind us. Who ever decided that needs bull whipping.
Then when we arrived at the gates to Calton Hill we were stopped for 25 minutes for reasons that I hope will be explained by the twat that made the decision. Again a very dangerous maneuver as those arriving behind were putting pressure on the front. The mood was not good. We also had the unwelcome presence of a Police helicopter circling overhead, quite low enough to make a very intrusive noise and create an atmosphere of tension. This was peaceful march by peaceful people, not a bloody Orange Order parade. There was no chopper last year why this year?
The whole thing was disruption and delay so that many people were not on the hill, as the proceeding began. Nice job Police Scotland, your strings were well pulled.
These antics were not necessary and need to be explained. It made me angry on a day that should have been full of happiness.
And to cap it all we had Team Boothman on BBC Scotland Reporting Scotland saying the number was 8,000. My arse. When will the BBC realise that there constant lies and propaganda are an affront to decency, democracy and their Royal Charter. Boothman and Kenny McQuarrie are nothing but puppets, who should be sacked.
Well done to all.
theres an unacceptable amount of jabas
Fantastic job, great rally, and self-evidently a complete success.
Well done to all involved.
Just home.
Gutted I didn’t get to meet any of you (was attached to one of the big SSP banners) but I did try to hunt ye’s down after ‘the Hill’, returned to the Albanach but no Wingers in evidence.
Did meet Peter Bell again though, which was a great pleasure.
By the time everyone sends in their vids and audio, plus whatever crops up on Youtube, I’m sure absent friends worldwide will be be able to recreate pretty much the whole day.
It really was a wonderful day – won’t ever ever forget it.
Cheers abody!
Last year the crowd was generally accepted as being three times the BBC’s reported 3,000. I’m guessing they’re still using the same abacus.
I thought Alan Grogan was brilliant – had never heard him speak before, so a nice surprise. Passionate, hitting all the right notes. Nicola as always was great.
also I’d never heard Vote Britain before (living down a hole evidently) and I was blown away by it. Great writing and spot on delivery.
my only regret is I didn’t find the Wings contingent before the march set off. Arrived too late and the place was rammed with folk.
Proud to have been there.
@ Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus
“Reporting Scotland a disgrace . . ”
“They have a duty to present both sides of the debate don’t they?”
Odd that they only seem to rembember that duty when it’s a Yes event that’s on. When its a BT one they come over all absent-minded.
As I predicted, most of the media coverage of the speeches is dominated by Salmond and his promotion of the SNP’s version of ‘independence’, with barely a mention of the ideas and views expressed by the other speakers.
If only Salmond could have put his ego to one side for once and taken a back seat at the rally and allowed the views of non-SNP people to be covered and publicised then perhaps the rally could have been useful in terms of encouraging more non-SNP supporters to vote yes.
Seriously why on earth is anyone feeding him?
“Last year the crowd was generally accepted as being three times the BBC’s reported 3,000”
The BBC report on last year’s rally mentioned the police estimate of 5,000.
link to bbc.co.uk
Presumably their 8,000 crowd this year is again based on the police estimate of 8,300?
i thot nicola sturgeon was close to shedding a tear during her speech
Was a very very good day and I eventually met up with Rev.
Yes I shook the hand that shook the world !
Glad to meet up with WoS folk.
@David, Indeed publicity was lacking. I was asked on the train if there was a rugby match on !
Onwards !
Hail Alba
Just back ourselves, got my wee wings badge from the Albanach, cracking day, lots of great speeches even the polis didnt seem so bad. Only disappointment is finding out Handedshrimp was there and not meeting him!!! 🙁
david,
She might not have been alone there.
aye aken, emotional
A fun day with lots of excellent speeches. Could have said hello to Salmond, Harvie, Colin Fox, Humza and a whole bunch others, but pussied out. Still, saw Alan Bissett at the station and congratulated him on a stirring rendition of Vote Britain.
I’ll grow my beard back for next time since it seemed to confuse people that I was beardless!
“Could have said hello to Salmond, Harvie, Colin Fox, Humza and a whole bunch others, but pussied out. Still, saw Alan Bissett at the station and congratulated him on a stirring rendition of Vote Britain.”
Man, I managed to miss ALL the celebrities. Clearly in the unfashionable part of the field. Shocking beardlessness, and disappearing so fast when I was trying to find you for a post-rally refreshment.
Kevin McKenna was apparently there too.
David Torrance also graced us with his presence. I saw him arrive when I was in the rather long queue for the loo, more than half of the speeches were over before his arrival.
its quite strange being amongst thousands of strangers yet feeling 100 % safe and wanted. good feeling
Was I the only who thought the little panda with the sharp end of a flagpole stuck up its whatsit might just have been our friend BtP? But then two pandas wandered up the road as well. And talking of celeb spotting, I did catch sight of the Major’s flag at the beginning and the end. But sadly no spotting of Mr Daniel, presumably mobbed for the afternoon by gushing admirers……
Quite a mixture of flags at the rally today. The Sardinian flag is particularly unusual.
It’s great to see international support for a country seeking the universal right to govern itself.
Thank you Rev.Stu for the badge. It will be treasured!
Bbc, you are a disgrace and nothing more than despicable liars.
What a great day out. Certain of our victory in 362 days after today’s
inspiring speeches from all walks of Scottish life. Hail Alba.
Any links for you tube or anything for the speaches yet ?
It fairly shows up those NO meetings where we were told hundreds turned up and yet the REVs red dot thing showed that to be lies.
ah, beardless, that must be it; haven’t tried that one since the days of the Garden Festival down Govan way
It is hilarious regarding the numbers when you think that last year the police gave out a figure of 5,000 on a crowd that is now widely acknowledged to have been 12,000 +. Someone in Police Scotland’s Edinburgh division has a unionist agenda and a unionist propensity for lies. The Free Masons grip on Scotland is powerful. I think the Police can reach a very high degree in the FMs.
The other thing that was hilarious was some stiff necked busy body out side the Albanach complaining to those who were carrying the Royal Standard. He beat a hasty retreat when some fine laddie had a wee word in his ear.
“now widely acknowledged to have been 12,000”
Hmm, I’m not sure that’s true. On the pics from last year it still looks like about 7000 to me. But in so far as it was possible to tell this year was definitely well up on that, and not by 1000.
A fantastic day, very stirring stuff at times. It was good to spot the banner on the hill and shake your hand Stu. All the best for the hard work of the next 362 days and I know we’ll all be successful.
Had a great day. Got the 1015 train from Glasgow and couldn’t get up the Royal Mile to meet WOS but got in with a great group- the Wallace group.
Managed to meet Silvertay but was sorry to have missed the Rev et al. Maybe next time.
Thought Alex, Nicola, Alan Grogan and Denis Canavan were superb.
Brilliant to see so many different groups represented.
Got a bet on for £10 with the hubby that there will be no mention of the brilliant day in the MSM.
Presumably it was based on the official police estimate of 8,300.
PCSA
I am highly sceptical. The police usually say about 5,000 or about 7,500. They are not so specific, especially when a march is still under way. I joined near the end from a pub as did a hell of a lot of others. I could not believe how long it took to go past as we were sitting there. For the march to have started filling up Calton Hill when people were still waiting to start at St Giles? 8,000? Someone is having a laugh. Presumably as a committed Yes supporter you were there, could you not see for yourself?
“Someone in Police Scotland’s Edinburgh division has a unionist agenda and a unionist propensity for lies. The Free Masons grip on Scotland is powerful”
This is exactly the sort of deluded nutterish conspiracy theory guff that we need to avoid if we’re going to convince the undecideds to vote yes. It isn’t in the least helpful to our cause.
I saw Kevin Mckenna as well. No doubt will have a column tomorrow in the Observer about the rally. Also, saw someone from BBC Scotland there who I don’t think was covering it in a professional capacity (although I am not sure about that obviously, it was not Bateman). Saw a number of SNP MSPs.
Aye nice te meet ye Stuart….I didna ken fa ye were at first (I thought ye were the boy that played Robert The Bruce in Braveheart) until some boy telt ma fa ye were. I wanted a badge but ma old man whos nae really ‘with it’ wi political blogs got een off ye….thinking it wis for me wis a mistake so I had te get een for masel ….of course he will noo be a reader o yer blog and he will be back next year. Cheers
“Presumably as a committed Yes supporter you were there, could you not see for yourself?”
No I wasn’t. I gave my reasons for not attending the other day.
I looked for you Rev and did eventually find you with the flag curled up in your hand, but you were surrounded, so I decided not to push in and introduce myself and make things worse. I think you know how much your work is appreciated, keep up the good work.
It was gratifying for me, and probably most people there, to simply be there and talking to like minded people.
Some really passionate speeches, Elaine C Smith was excellent as was the lady from Women for Independence, both fiery ladies who inspired. Nicola and Alex were standout too, the rest were good.A very good day.
Just to point out STV News said 20,000 ( but the police were lower, they said !) I think if it was lower, then they would have been undoubtedly happy to report it!
They also brought in a negative poll done 9-15th of the month, obviously keeping it as a negative influence lest we have to good a day!
Then to top it off, an interview with Blair McDougall complete with an obviously staged group of people coming up and taking the Bitter Together leaflets on camera, I could just feel someone waving them in to be filmed one by one.
Oldnat – I was just about to post re wee Dunc’s tweet – praise indeed.
Stu – loved meeting you and thanks for giving me the second last of your wee round badges. I’ll wear it with pride. Keep on keeping on.
It was great to put a face to BtP, Conan, Morag, HandandShrimp, ManintheJar and Juteman, was that you at the Waterloo with the Dundonian worded T-shirt? Should have mentioned the wee shuggies(?), and meeting many, many others.
Fantastic day, but ended up havibg to leave early as the Q for the loo was horrendous and by the time we got round to the other loos, we decided to just leave and go to the Waterloo;-) On the plus side of that we met Alex Salmond and a guy dresed as Rabbie Burns and further down, John Swinney and his wife, which was lovely.
A truly uplifting day;-)
That was one real problem – 4 or 5 cludgies for 20,000 + people! Not a good move for the weak bladdered such as myself….
“That was one real problem – 4 or 5 cludgies for 20,000 + people!”
That was pretty shocking. I kept thinking there must be others elsewhere but there didn’t seem to be. Most guys, and some gals, were just going in the bushes.
Pubicus parva genetals
I gave my reasons for not attending the other day
Polishing your underwear?
@HandandShrimp –
that’s the nub of it: if the whole area between George IV Bridge and Calton Hill was at one point occupied by marchers, you can at least do a rough calculation using standard figures for estimating crowd density, as I did above. 16300 square metres of terrain; at a very conservative estimate, .8 square metres per person. Roughly 20,375 people. As I say, a conservative estimate, since it was probably denser on average than I’ve allowed.
Oi, Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, people can have whatever opinion that they wish and you are welcome to say whether you disagree with them or not. If all you are going to do is try and impose censor or limits on what people can or cant say, then bugger off. That’s the rev’s job on this web site. NOT yours.
No I wasn’t. I gave my reasons for not attending the other day
PCSA
Pity then because you missed a cracking day and bucket loads of good speakers Most of them not SNP (which I understand you a have a mild allergy to).
My only gripe being that I fancied a burger but the queue was humungous.
Did anyone try the tablet from the tablet stall…that is how tablet should be made.
It was nice to press the flesh with you Stu. Too late for a badge but nevertheless I can confirm that you do not have 10 fingers on each hand nor the mark of the beast.
A great day all round. Dennis, Nicola, & Allan Grogan were inspiring.
Glad some of us got to tell you personally just how important you are to the cause.
your the truth gavin
Also met Alex Salmond and shook his hand. Very pleased. Still glowing.
david says:
21 September, 2013 at 8:50 pm
its quite strange being amongst thousands of strangers yet feeling 100 % safe and wanted. good feeling
This.
Good to meet you, Stu, and thanks for the badge!
My daughter loved being there and has been Twittering and Twattering furiously ever since.
A great day, with great speeches, music and, above all, enthusiasm!
We have 360 odd days to spread that enthusiasm for a new, exciting Scotland around.
Game on.
It sounds like it was a very good day all round. Regretfully I was not there, but I plan to make it to the next one with my four young boys.
Massive respect for all involved.
If the badges were made available in the shop I’d be interested
What a day, and what a badge!
SS
Did your daughter have a giraffe outfit on?
What a day! What speeches and what feeling! It was a pleasure to be there and part of it.
I was told the drone was ‘launched’ by National Collective and being the astute people they can be, it’s recorded film of the crowd will be analysed to come-up with a more accurate attendance figure.
Also, shared a cafe berth with Derek Bateman – the man himself and can confirm that he is indeed the man behind the new blog – nice chap too and more than deserving of the phenomenal hits he’s had in the past two weeks.
Can NO match anything like this? – I would hazard a guess – NO!
Stuart
Just wanted to say that it was great to finally put a face to some great investigation and writing.
Keep up the good work.
P.S. Have left a comment on the Guardian web site, its not just the numbers that were there that will count, it what these numbers will achieve on the streets that is the important thing.
Great day! It felt so good to see the numbers. All these years working for Independence and it is now within our grasp. Incredible!
Only downside was that I didn’t find you Rev although I hunted high and low. Thank you for all your efforts.
PCSA,
The press print what they want, its almost beyond naive to assume they would be full of praise and column inches for Aamer Anwar’s or Patrick Harvie’s great speeches today if only “that” Salmond wasnt speaking.
I think Lord Foulkses subsidised Glenfiddich will have turned to bile in his big mouth as he saw the reports from Calton Hill and the 30,000 supporters of Yes. We can expect a vile explosion of phlegm from him any time now. He has alreadt has a wee possit:
George Foulkes ?@GeorgeFoulkes 11h
“Will be interesting to compare attendance at IndyDemo today with total at Scottish football matches. #bettertogether”
BELCH
Can we do it all again next saturday please 🙂
Was just brilliant. Alex Salmond has said many times in the past that optimism will win over pessimism… hope over fear. today was basically that sentiment lightly sauteed, served up with fun and shared with many friends.
Hail Alba!
Big, big smiley thing. 🙂
Did anyone remember to bring back some rock for the rest of us?
its valid to vote yes just to rid ourselves of parasites like lord foulkes
Saw the Wings flag a little in front of our Yes Scottish Borders group in the High Street but lost track in the march itself so didn’t have a chance to say hello. Fabulous day though and some inspirational speakers even if the Calton Hill was perhaps not the best natural auditorium venue. Lots of passion in evidence from the stage and from the crowd !
i apologise to every living parasite for last comparison
Gavin Barrie (Jammach)
Best way to treat pond life is to starve it of oxygen, it will then shrivel and die and sink to the bottom.
Who was the chap I spoke to outside the Albannach and identified myself as HB he said he is always on here, who are you pls?
PS I enjoyed you company, and the guy who kept popping in for a wee Shiraz ;o))))
missed you, but fell in with Yes Musselborough, couldn’t stay for all the speeches but Elaine C Smith was fabulous. Rather emotional, and so glad to have been there.
What a day! Fantastic speeches, fantastic crowd – and not a single pollster in sight!
Saw Blair McDoom on some link saying that while we were talking to ourselves the Very Bitter Crew were out speaking to people. I thought that was particularly ironic given their tendency to hide their meetings and stop people going in if they suspect they aren’t the right sort. He really is a shabby soul isn’t he?
“Saw Blair McDoom on some link “
That’d be here:
link to news.stv.tv
That really is a disgrace from STV. I think McDougall got MORE airtime than Salmond, having done sod-all.
Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus says: aka norseworrior. Away and biel yir heid.
@Heraldnomore. No chance of getting near the major, he had about 20 groupies in tow. 🙂
Pleasure meeting many today and I just wanted to say a big thank you to the Rev for keeping a badge for me-which he didn’t.
Ah well maybe next time.
As mentioned above, thing about crown today was that it wasn’t people who will be passive over the next year – it was a crowd who will be active in our communities over the next year working for Yes – we can do this.
Had a great time today, what a fantastic event. I managed to meet a few of the crew.
Stu, thanks for the button badge, I think I got the last one. Any chance of putting a batch of the sliver ones on the megastore? Otherwise I will be resorting to early morning ambush tactics and other shennanigans next year.
…forgot to add… I said to a few folk today, that I think next years march should be in Glasgow.
Glasgow Green can easily hold 100,000+, it is flat as a pancake and seems a natural tactical manouvre in the rally series.
What’s yer thoughts peeps?
Sorry I didn’t get a chance to meet you all, especially yourself, Rev. By the time the North Ayrshire Yes bus arrived, we were near the back of the march, beyond St Giles. By the time we passed the Albannach it was 12.35. Highlights for me were Allan Grogan and Nicola Sturgeon.
If the BBC think there were only 8,000 people at the march, then reduce their pay to £8,000 each. Judging by their counting skills, they wil think they are earning £30,000.
Oh thanks Rev.
Just because I said to you today “why have you got me on pre mod?” Now you take me off it and I can’t correct my spelling.
You could have warned me. 🙂
“Just because I said to you today “why have you got me on pre mod?” Now you take me off it and I can’t correct my spelling.”
Huh? I’ve neither put anybody on, or taken anybody off, pre-moderation. Ever, in fact.
Alba4Eva
Good idea, I was thinking the same myself.
Nice to meet (however briefly) Stu, Ally Pally and young Bloodnok (a very discerning gent who remembered and complimented me on one of my posts). Saw dozens of others wearing Wings badges.
We got talking to a really nice couple who told us Wings is their favourite blog spot – but they don’t post here.
Saw a group of about 150 people, many among them dancing without the need for music – they were in the queue for the portaloos.
Enjoyed the speeches. Nicola Sturgeon, Carolyn Leckie, Margo MacDonald, Denis Canavan, Elaine C Smith, Hardeep, Aamer Anwar, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, Alex Salmond, Alan Grogan, Blair Jenkins, Colin Fox (thought he stood out with his historical references to the Hill), all of them in fact – all superb. Just shows the depth of talent in the YES camp. Compare every one of the speakers at today’s event with the drab, dull Darling & Co.
Agree with HenBroon re VIPs in an equality minded Scotland. If they consider themselves too grand to march shoulder to shoulder with the plebs then they should maybe arrange to have their own wee private march on a different day.
A truly great day, had wanted to march with you all but missed you at the start.
Tracked the Wings flag down right at the end of the rally, had intended a handshake but went straight for the hug…amidst my ramblings had also meant to say that Wings has confirmed in my head what I have always known in my heart, an empowering place to be…thankyou.
i would love to see a no rally. just to compare, would prob be more yes people than no people at it
Aye missed y’all as well around 40 from Arran, although we had to leave at 5pm as
Call Mac cancelled the 2200hrs sailing due to forecast adverse weather, the clyde is like a
millpond, adverse weather more like could not be arsed.
Unfortunately we heard when we got to Ardrossan that a lady has not heard of the revised time and got left, thanks Cal-Mac they need a heft boot up the arse.
Apart from Cal-Mac doing its worst it was a brilliant day and flew by, never known 13 hours on the road being so enjoyable.
We were about half way down the procession and I asked a Heid Bummer Steward
when we turned onto Princess street if the tail had left the Royal Mile and he said “Just”
The Establishment has not got the Internet yet, by saying that there was only 8k there
people especially those lining the streets in Edinburgh will see that lying is natural to them
they also forget we live in an interconnected age and the photos and videos will show that
about three times the official figure was there. Every one person who figures out that they
have been lied to about the numbers at the march will make the connection to the other
lies put out by Bitter Together. The game is up…
“Oi, Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, people can have whatever opinion that they wish and you are welcome to say whether you disagree with them or not. If all you are going to do is try and impose censor or limits on what people can or cant say”
On the contrary, I think you’ll find that its me that people are calling a ‘troll’ and trying to censor on here, for the simple ‘crime’ of being critical of Salmond’s attendance at the rally.
“being critical of Salmond’s attendance at the rally”
Just bored of it. We did it to death last time, and he didn’t grandstand. He wasn’t the last speaker (by a fair way), his speech was one of the shorter ones, and the fact is the crowd absolutely adored him. Best reception of anyone by a mile. So gonnae give it a rest, eh?
Lanarkist, lPandapaws, Conan, Alba – you will not be surprised to learn that i made a raging cunt of it when i left the boozer to try and find my bus – i was halfway to Haddington when i realiised there were nae buses.
This involved me losing my y fronts and going through Motherwell – you will agree that is taking one for the team.
“The press print what they want, its almost beyond naive to assume they would be full of praise and column inches for Aamer Anwar’s or Patrick Harvie’s great speeches today if only “that” Salmond wasnt speaking.”
I didn’t suggest that they would praise the speeches, but they’d certainly give them more coverage if Scotland’s First Minister hadn’t also given a speech promoting the SNP’s version of ‘independence’.
The Guardian article is a case in point – two thirds of it devoted to Salmond’s speech, with a few sentences on what Blair Jenkins (who is basically SNP too) and Canavan said and no mention at all of Harvie or Macdonald’s speeches.
A fantastic day. I’m sorry I couldn’t meet the Wings contingent as I was meeting a friend travelling there alone and we ended up next to the Argyll contingent.
The turnout appeared truly massive and definitely at the higher end of the 20-30K scale, like a big football match I suppose.
Had a good conversation with some Dumfriesshire yessers on the train home and we gave some neighbouring English passengers a bit more insight into the debate too. Not sure we sold them on it but we made them think! 🙂
You, Stu, and this site are probably the main reason I ended up there today, having partaken of Wings for the best part of two years now.
For that I thank you sincerely.
It’s been an emotional rollercoaster at times, particularly of late but now, we have a referendum to win and having felt the energy up on that hill I now know that victory is entirely possible. We can win this thing, I can feel it!
Stu – they were all at the right side of the hill where we were! I just happened to be at the path as Eck came striding up so got a few pictures, then towards the end he was getting pictures with loads of folk. I’ll send you any good ones I got.
You can buy me a pint at the next one 😛
Just a wee question with regards to the crowd.
Does this tally include those that were already on Hill before the parade started as I would have expected those unable to march would already be there.
Incidentally, considering all the flack Stu gets from various groups of folk, it was hilarious seeing folk queuing up just to shake his hand. Second biggest celeb there, after Eck!
@Jingly Jangly and those who journey from far afield, including the fit likers.
I take my hat off to you all.
I think I’m doing my best by travelling for 30-40 minutes from Edinburgh, but you guys travel so far. My deepest respects to you all.
HenBroon,
That auld tory fud had a pop at me outside the Albanach. He said I was ignorant and had no idea what that flag was. I told him it was the Scots royal standard and what his point was.
He said he would get me arrested as the queen wasn’t resident in my house. I said “There’s 2 polis over their pal, go an give them a shout if you like”.
He then started banging on about how the Governor general could have me. I told him to fuck off down the hill to the palace and get him, and tell all the rest of the fucking pubs & shops flying it on the way down. He was a proper arsehole. The kind of killjoy tit that would stick a knife in a weans baw!
He walked away foaming at the mouth and nearly fell over one of the bollards. I wish he had!
BTW,
Good to see you today rev, the badge has pride of place on my jacket. I’m also glad the hairstyle thing panned out OK in the end for you 🙂
Rab
Ann
Who knows, the 8,000 number seemed to come out of nowhere very early in the proceedings.
I have been on a few marches over the years – this was a big one.
Argh, I’m back on pre mod. 🙁
“Argh, I’m back on pre mod.”
No you’re not. What’s going on?
Alba – fair point. I suppose there’s lots of factors.
Police co-operation, council co-operation, planned route etc etc.
Where would you start the rally in Glasgow ?
It seems that routes are getting shorter and shorter, obviously local councils and the police want as little disruption as possible. The only central Edinburgh alternative I can think of would be to march from the High Street (same start off point) up to The Meadows via George IV Bridge.
It would be less than a mile, flat, very wheel chair friendly and plenty of flat open space at the end for speeches etc.
(Holyrood Park under Arthurs seat has to be out because it’s the Queens Park, as far as I’m aware no political stuff is allowed there.)
Just got back to Aberdeen and great to meet you all. The Rev’s pole [flagpole that is] looked suspiciously like a broom handle. Perhaps he will deny in due course. 🙂
Met Stu, Conan, Jeannie + Mr Jeannie, Morag, BTP, plus many other Wossers who rarely ever post but are avid readers. Wonderful time and in parts quite emotional especially the singing of An A’ That.
What a great day. Sorry to have missed Stu et al although I did meet Dramfineday, his good lady, son and adorable wee grand daughter.
My wee boy had a blast. He was dancing to the music and blowing his whistle for all he was worth.
The speakers and performers were all fantastic and I think I have a wee crush on Alan Bissett.
Thanks to all for bringing me into the family Yes!
when mr salmond deservedly steps down i will be delighted for nicola sturgeon, i can only imagine how she will feel being her countries first minister, nobody deserves this more than her
if you rewind Reporting Scotland to the bit where an older gentleman has a large wedge of BT leaflets in his hand and hands out to passers by… check it out. Each of the 5 people are “in step” only a few yards apart and there is no one else on the street. To the casual observer, it looks like a wee fakeumentary of might have happened if there were real people on the deserted street.
The production team at the BBC aren’t stupid; they’d know that people would recognise what was going on here. So whay are they putting their professional reputations on the line? .
“the fact is the crowd absolutely adored him. Best reception of anyone by a mile”
Yes of course they did, but then the vast majority of the crowd were already committed yes voters weren’t they.
The point is whether the people we need to convince to vote yes if we’re going to win – non-SNP supporters – also adored the coverage of his speech and his promotion of the SNP’s version of independence, or whether they’d have preferred to get some more coverage and information on the speeches and views from non-SNP speakers.
Anyway I’ve said my piece on the issue.
“The point is whether the people we need to convince to vote yes if we’re going to win – non-SNP supporters – also adored the coverage of his speech and his promotion of the SNP’s version of independence”
If he hadn’t spoken there’d have been no TV cameras there at all.
Whtt a day that was. I had the honour of taking the Wings flag up the hill and meeting some of you. I was quite emotional. Huge thanks to Stu I guess you don’t really appreciate the effect you have had on so many. I raise my hat to you Sir! Chapeau.
Callum
So why are they putting their professional reputations on the line? .
Who is going to question the BBC? They know they are untouchable.
Talking of Better Together and assorted Unionist wing nuts, I can’t say I saw a single one on the route or on the hill.
we make them untouchable
david says:
21 September, 2013 at 9:39 pm
i would love to see a no rally. just to compare, would prob be more yes people than no people at it.
Have a look inside Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus’s living room window around 7 pm any night.
There’s usually one going on then.
rabb,
I was just behind you when Brenda’s friend was having a go at your flag.
Anybody see The Biggest Dug in the World there and the wee Patterdale terrier with the blue T-Shirt? Trumped Ryan’s “wee dugs” any day!
PCS
The press would have done no such thing you’re living in a fantasy world mate, the Guardian would have probably ran with a piece lambasting Salmond for not giving a toss.
Rev Stu – “Most guys, and some gals, were just going in the bushes”
There’s a wonderful thing called a She-Wee. Google it 🙂
Fabulous day, and so inspiring to see such support. Great to meet you Stu and thanks for the badge! I loved seeing all the inventive posters people had done, the classic was pic of Alastair Darling with the inscription, Darling, it’s over we’re leaving. I hope the two pandas didn’t collapse with heat exhaustion inside those costumes because it must have been warm for them. Barnstorming speeches from all speakers, Alan Bissett particularly moving. Looking forward to an even bigger turnout next year, say 10k 😉
Sorry I missed you all, I did look for the Wings banner once I reached Calton Hill, but didn’t see it.
RE the march route. The effin’ IOL march down Princes St at 3pm on a June Saturday afternoon – I don’t see why we can’t! I agree last year’s venue was better than Calton Hill, but I’m not sure we would have fitted in!
Great day.
The numbers were three times larger than last year and even larger than the Yes Yes march in the capital in support of the creation of our devolved parliament in the 1990’s. It was the largest march for independence in my life-time and must have been 30,000.
The police are claiming 8,300 because that is the number they had provided crowd safety officers for. They were not expecting such a large number of people to attend.
Never mind the drone, which apparently belonged to a pro-independence supporter. What was is with the ever-present helicopter? Was this to compensate for the lack of police numbers on the street due to the gross underestimation of the number of marchers.
Anyway, lets double it to 60,000 next year!
Was a great day out and glad to have met you Stu. And some other bloggers as well. I took some pics ….
link to theveiledsun.blogspot.co.uk
“I took some pics ….”
I really must issue some sort of edict against photos from behind exposing the baldy spot 🙁
David
we make them untouchable
And the BBC know that; that`s what makes them untouchable.
Ann, I have been to football matches all over scotland and seen 8,000 crowds at Hibs, Dundee U, Aberdeen, Motherwell etc… today was far far bigger!
clochoderic, the mind boggles! LOL hope you are OK and home safe & sound.
i was threatened with legal stuff so had to pay license fee. first time in 5 years tho so well worth it i guess. i believe there is a huge refusal of paying license fees all over the present uk, causing problems for them altho its never brought to our attention
@Publius – so you weren’t there and you’re moaning about a speech you didn’t see?
Give us a break – Salmond was excellent, and by no means delivered the longest speech. As for him refusing to go when invited – what message would that send out? Behave yourself. It’s your perspective that’s skewed. And I say that as a non-SNP Yesser.
Re the police figures – I’ve never been to a demo yet that the police didn’t radically underestimate the figures.
Best. Day. Ever!
Really glad I went to this now. Though sad I missed the Wings stall.
I was mainly along acting as a mobile flagpole for one of the SSP banners and making an attempt to hand out placards early on that no-one seemed to want, despite my repeated assurances that they were free, and non-toxic (although you might get a skelf from the wooden pole!)
But yeah, best day out I’ve had in ages 🙂 Hope we get to do it again soon!
(Also I REALLY want one of those flying cam gadgets!!)
Wow, sounds like an uplifting, wonderful day, I wish I could’ve been there! To meet and greet people, to soak up the positive, friendly atmosphere, to hear the speeches…
Hopefully footage from the march & rally will soon be on youtube. Please post links!
Hi Tartanfever, it should be remembered that it is the right of citizens to demonstrate, march and rally…
link to yourrights.org.uk
How many arrests do you think there were at today’s march? Would it be classed as a peaceful protest? 😉
that was easy treble time for oor police officers
It was a pleasure to be with so many folk dedicated to a better Scotland. Only one regret, only managed to find one WoS poster Jon King (good lad, as you would expect), sorry I didn’t meet anyone else, but it was an honour and privilege to be in your company. Just like to say a special thanks to the Rev, thanks Stu.
To be fair it’s a better picture than the one in the Daily Record a few weeks ago!
Heard from a pal who’d been talking to a policeman, that the cops could only admit to 8500 being there as they only put on enough cops to give cover for 8500.
That would be a clever trick to keep the number count down.
Great day , and great idea to meet outside a pub. first time in years I’ve had beer before 12 in years.
@oneironaut-
Is you who I think you be?
Did I point out a sticker on a wall to you – it said ‘This Belongs to Lionel Richie‘?
If it do be you, cheers mister – if not, sorry for the cryptic rubbish.
Wee folding bike
Brenda’s friend? Was he with you or part of the march?
I make no apology, he was a knob and could do a lot worse than keep his thoughts to himself.
Anyway, Once the march started it was all forgotten. I only remembered it when HenBroon mentioned it.
I’m not one for the care free use of superlatives but today was absolutely awesome!
With regards to the crowd size was it not that the police ‘were expecting’ 8000+ for the rally? I’m sure I read it on twitter somewhere this morning? I reckon the BBC have lifted that figure and ran with it.
For those admiring the Quadricopter … it’s very similar to this.
link to actioncameras.co.uk
£499.
@Rev Stuart Campbell -I really must issue some sort of edict against photos from behind exposing the baldy spot
You should have worn a hat them, Rev! Perhaps a wee Tam O’ Shanter? 🙂
a short video of the crowd at Calton Hill;
Rev. Stuart Campbell says:
21 September, 2013 at 10:11 pm
“I took some pics ….”
I really must issue some sort of edict against photos from behind exposing the baldy spot
🙂 🙂 you and me both Stu … although I’m fairly certain mine outshines yours in that shot! 🙁
Clydebuilt… you are right about the police figures. It doesn’t take a genius to realise these figures are stoopidly low when you watch this…
What a great day, march and rally. Me and my better half thoroughly enjoyed ourselves from start to finish. Highlight of my day though was on seeing the Rev. Stu outside the Albannach and giving him a welcoming handshake. Also met the Juteman and one or twa other regular Wings posters.
Thank you for this wonderful post and for all your work.
Alba – funny, I was just having a look at that website a few days ago, thanks for the link anyway.
Yeah, Holyrood Park is the obvious place to end a march and have speeches, but ‘those in charge’ would never allow it – and as soon as the march is declared illegal then all the politicians etc start pulling out and it just ends up getting a bit messy.
As for arrests today, i’m sure someone posted that they had asked a police officer that question and they had replied that there were fewer than the number of Pandas there are in Scotland.
i have just arrived back home at the Ponderosa in Helensburgh after one of the most excellent days El Kendo has had in a long time. After a truly cunning strategic plan to be holed up in the Albanach very early in order to obtain Wingslanders shiney badge serial number 001 it went pear shape when the Rev was wiped out within 90 seconds……ergo lesson learned…” If you ain’t fast, yer last ”
brilliant to meet Stu, Scottish Skier and family, the Major , BTP, Conan, Morgan, green bean, albaha,Colin,lanarkist and many other most excellent people. you are all a credit to the cause, and damn fine individuals too !
group hug ! ( sorry, went too far there..blame the Major and his rather generous liquid lunch expense account! )
A great day that was everything I hoped it would be, and more, so full credit to the Organisers. A pleasure to shake your hand Stu; I had to congratulate you on your efforts for us all. Sometimes actions just have to speak louder than words. Had a few good chats with other WoSsers too. This is a day I’ll remember for a long time or at least until the really big party next year. That was one Happy Hill.
Aye, the cops would have a day like that over the football or one of the other lot’s marches any day.
To be fair, though they planned for a smaller number I’m sure, they weren’t tested or stretched by any means and that’s how it should be.
Jim. The Police helicopter is a pretty standard thing for events with large crowds. It lets the cops see if there are any problem areas in relation to congestion, traffic problems or whatever. You’ll see them up on football days and the like too.
Off to bed now – sweet dreams to all who were there, in body or in spirit! 🙂
I wandered about for about an hour on Calton Hill looking for Wings. A big banner would have been a good idea
I think George Square and Glasgow Green deserve a rally. Spring, autumn?
Great day but I don’t think the venue worked very well
AlexMci-
If you see this, so sorry I didn’t see you today mister – was watching out for you and yer gang, but twas not to be.
Next time!
WALKING WITH WINGS
Well, that’s what it felt like.
Not having done anything like this in my life before, it was an experience never to forget. Shaking the Rev’s hand; seeing Bugger the Panda, Conan, Man in the Jar, Lanarkist, Doug Daniels and the Major in the flesh; looking at the sea of Scottish flags (no Shetland ones?); the fabulous array of flags from supportive would-be nations – I counted Flanders, Catalonia, Sicily, Venice, South Tyrol, Corsica, Wales and Sardinia; and the speeches….
Allan Grogan was marvellous, ticks all the boxes for Orator;
Alan Bisset gave an amazing recital of Vote Britain – I’ve read it, I’ve watched him on YouTube, but hearing it live brought a lump to the throat;
Dennis Canavan, an old-school speaker who had the crowd in the palm of his hand;
The half-Indian, half-Czech, half-Welsh lass whose name I didn’t catch, she was inspirational and a great speaker – we’ll all be counting the number of sleeps till the big day now!;
Colin Fox was an amazingly good speaker, although I don’t agree with most of what he says;
Nicola and Alex, consummate professionals and give a lot of faith – I just don’t get why people have a problem with Eck;
Mike, the economist guy at the end whose surname I missed – one of the most vital messages, but so many had left after Eck spoke that there weren’t enough to hear his important points.
It was a grand day out, and one I’d have enjoyed even more without a bored teenager whingeing most of the afternoon! At least the other son enjoyed it, and I’m supremely proud to have taken part.
Some speeches now on Youtube
Hardeep Kohli & Elaine C Smith
AS
What a brilliant day! A day that I will never, ever forget!
I’m sore and tired, but really happy. What a day! I near enough killed myself climbing Arthur’s Seat (I’m never doing that again! It’s a ‘No’ from me should anyone suggest it). Became a tourist, and meandered my way up the Canongate, before finally arriving at the Albanach. The strangest thing was, I knew there was people around me who were ‘Wingers’, but I didn’t know where to begin. It didn’t last long though. Ended up meeting everybody!!
First, Rev Stu…
Stuart, it was an absolute honour to meet you. Personally, I can’t thank you enough for everything that you have shown or taught me in this last year. Sir, you deserve a medal for everything that you have done!
To Tony from Broxburn …Hope you had a good day mate. May see you around in old West Lothianshire! Glad to have met you.
To DonDeefLugs, with whom I wandered Calton Hill, the Cowgate, the Royal Mile, Waterloo Place, Broughton Street, before finally heading back to Waverley. Matey…you also made my day! I think we climbed all 7 hills and then we did it again for fun !!! A real pleasure to meet you, Sir. We’ll catch up again soon!
As to everyone else …MajorBloodnok, Scottish Skier, John King, Morag, Albaha, Conan, BtP, KendoMacaroonbar …oh god …there are just too many names to mention. It was brilliant to meet you all. The only disappointment …I never ever caught up and met Doug Daniel!!! …well, maybe next year!
P.S. Johann, Ruth, Anas are right! ‘Better Together’ is best …I certainly enjoyed being in all of your company …better together, indeed!!
See you all the next time!
On the 19th January 1919 there was the famous Battle of George Square. I think we could repeat it. Some of us remember the terrific Scotland United rally
Where’s the Sunday Herald’s front cover? Eh?
I’m looking at you Marcia…
@Rev Stu, I’m currently uploading 12 videos of the Rally to my Youtube Channel. Once they’re all in place, I’ll send you a PM with all links on one page. Perhaps they could be embedded for one future column to ensure they are seen by as many people as possible. Here is the clip of Wee Eck (far better speech than last year I thought). link to youtube.com
Generally: great day but what a shite location for the rally. I was lucky to be at the very front, right in front of the stage but I’ve heard others at the back couldn’t even hear the speeches. I think Holyrood Park or the Meadows should be considered for next year, PM’d Jeff Duncan already about this. The only two people I did not film were Rosie Kane (was too tired by that point) and Kate Higgins who I thought was not going to get a platform for her views on my youtube channel after her recent statements. Anyhow, 30K people attending was a number beyond my (and I’m sure everyone else’s) dreams. I’ve always said to my partner and my friends that we’ll win with a 60% share of the vote and I feel all the more confident after today.
“The only two people I did not film were Rosie Kane (was too tired by that point) and Kate Higgins”
Did Higgins actually speak? I totally missed that. (Not with any disappointment, I should note.)
That Scotland United Rally was great…really fantastic…today was far bigger and better though!!! Shows Indy is achievable.
I thought it was you proposing Hollyrood Park Tartanfever? Anyways, I was suggesting Glasgow Green and noting that there is little the authorities could do to stop it, provided it is classed as a peaceful protest… of which there is no doubt.
There are no superlatives left to describe today. Thanks Stu for the wee silver Wings badge – made sure I got to Albanach good and early. Also did some VoxPops for Wings so hope my contribution helps the cause. Look forward to seeing the result. Loved all the speeches and Alan Bissett’s ‘Vote Britain’ ( link to youtube.com ) was genius. 30,000 there easily. We’re gonna win this thing.
YES Scotland.
I was looking for you on the hill but couldn’t find you once I got my breath back. Sorry I missed you Rev
Long time reader, first time poster. I was there today. And I was there today because of this site.
Alas I knew I had to leave at 12.30 to attend something I couldn’t get out of. I left just as things started moving again after the long pause halfway up the hill. I traced the route of the march all the way back to where we started near Albannach and only just reached the end of the marchers by the time I got there. So I estimate there must have been well over 1000 there today! 🙂
I agree Dave.
The march would have run peacefully and smoothly without any police. Loads of weans and smiles and great behaviour in abundance. Lots of smiles from some police officers as well. No criticism of the police.
I do though think that some police chief somewhere has grossly underestimated the figure for a reason other than facts. I appreciate that they always underestimate figures due to organisers not being able to give an accurate figure when applying for permission to march, but reducing the figure by two-thirds is unusual.
That is then what the media and press report.
I was stewarding right at the back of the march. The numbers were phenomenal. It took 40 minutes for the back of the march to start moving after the front started. the hold up was that they were having to wait while they got the disabled people up. Numbers wise, I’ve been to the Beltane festival on Calton hill, which usually attracts 10k or so, and this was easily at least twice as crowded. 20-25k would be my guess. We really need more toilets and food stalls next year, and it would be handy to position someone along the march route with a clicker or two to give a more accurate estimate of numbers.
Haven’t read all the comments, there are too many.
I didn’t meet any one, the crowd grew so quickly… It didn’t matter though because being around so many like minded folk, the warmth generated by the shared aim and righteous common purpose of all present was enough for me.
What a great day it was.
‘Did Higgins speak?’
Not that I heard, unless she was very early in the running order. She was in the crowd though – saw her a couple of times.
Glasgow next year would be a great idea. It would show the most populous city in Scotland (and the Greater Glasgow area) that we’re here, independence is normal and the game is on.
And I could just jump on the bus 🙂
Perhaps meet at George SQ walk along to High St then down to Glasgow Green. We’d get 100,000 in their easy!
@Rev Stu
Did Higgins actually speak? I totally missed that. (Not with any disappointment, I should note.)
On the website for the march Kate Higgins and Rosie Kane were both down as being speakers, but I do not think they actually had speeches today. I am not sure why that happened.
I have to say that I think the independence rally’s should be in the capital city, Edinburgh.
Votadini Jeannie,
Aye Alan Bisset was great doing vote Britain live, you missed out my favourite speaker today though Aamer Anwar, thought he was fantastic 🙂
Re Higgins and Kane; I was assuming that they’d be the last two speakers as it was getting close to 4pm but I left around 3.30ish so couldn’t tell you if they were there or if someone else spoke.
rabb,
Sorry, Brenda is a nick name for her majesty Lillybet the twa.
So much I would LOVE to say about today, and WILL say about today, when I have had a good night’s sleep and can think in a sober way of exactly what I want to say. Haven’t had the opportunity to read through all the comments today of all my fellow Wingers. But the most important thing is:
Rev Stuart Campbell is a total hero and we owe him such a debt of gratitude, and he will definitely go down in history, when all is said and done.
I had a lump in my throat when I saw him today in real life, as all of you probably did who had the pleasure of meeting him. We are all feeling so grateful for everything he has done.
(And Newsnet Scotland as well, of course)
More tomorrow when I am thinking clearly….
Night night everyone. xx
Apologies O/T:
I was chatting to Steven and his wife Kasha (from Poland) in the Albanach after the Hill. Kasha commented that in Poland the use ink pens to mark their ballot papers and not pencils as are used in the UK. Steven commented that at the last Scottish Parliamentary election he wanted to use a pen but was told that his paper would be spoiled if he did so. Has anyone else ever heard of that? It just sounds ludicrous to me and it makes sense that people should use an ink pen. Would this be a matter for the Electoral Commission? Thoughts anyone?
YES Scotland.
Great day. And well done Rev. Sleep well.
And everyone else.
Wee folding bike says:
rabb,
Sorry, Brenda is a nick name for her majesty Lillybet the twa.
I can’t believe I even thought that actually. Their was no way he was a Yes voter.
Brilliant day. We must win. People are going to have to work like hell to get us a Yes vote.
creigs;
It doesn’t invalidate the vote at all. If that was the case most postal ballots would be spoilt, As long as the intent of the voter is certain then the vote will be accepted.
Awoke this morning to read the comments and checkout the many pics. Brought a tear to my glass eye.
I’m sure there will be more news and views as the dust settles, the general impression though is one of huge numbers, huge optimism, a greater sense of belief, the need for a far bigger venue for next year and the ‘plea’ for more toilets:-).
Well done to you all, what a fantastic effort.
Unbelievable day! Great to meet fellow Wings friends and The Rev (you look a lot younger without the Mohican!).
We took 4 family members with us and they were totally inspired. Met up with another couple after the event and continued the discussion. They are all converted and ready to pass the message on.
YES is the only way!
For Ianbrotherhood:
link to twitpic.com
Sunday Herald has the Rally on the front page.
Just uploaded to my channel: Nicola Sturgeon’s speech today. link to youtube.com
I’m wearing my badge with pride!
What a great day to be alive and Scottish, to gaze into the brightest of futures.
I am the happiest, and most perfectly refreshed, of bunnies. 🙂
Missed out on the badges by minutes I think. Didn’t get a chance to speak to you Stu, but worked out who you were from the helpful photo in the Sunday Mail a few weeks back!
Recognised Major Bloodnok’s flag, and maybe Bugger (the panda)? Disappointed that I didn’t meet some of the others on here, but I was with other folk and that so occupied most of the time.
Maybe there needs to be a Wings meet sometime?
Cheers Marcia! I can set my watch by your SH front-page post – means I’m pished and have to go bedward!
Nicht-nicht – what a day it’s been!
Can’t believe we missed everyone, wife and I got to the Albannach at 11.15 and looked for the Wings flag. Gave up and joined a group of our friends right in front of the Ninja Turtles banner, and not far behind the pandas and that wee kid in the giraffe suit (awwww!) From the pics others have posted we must have been awfy close.
Saw the flag and Rev Stu during Canavan’s speech and wandered over, but would have had to annoy too many people to get near enough to say hello. We’ll have to agree on uniforms for next year to identify ourselves. What about winged helmets?
Train was mobbed on the way through, everyone happy and friendly all day long. Feels like we’ve been part of something.
Stu,
Just wanted to say thanks for the badge, and for being able to finally meet you.
A great day, great to see and put some faces to names.
Elaine C Smith was excellent as usual, Hardeep was a great MC, can’t wait for the next one 🙂