A change has occurred in Scotland.
St. Andrew's Cross, traditionally supported by supporters of Scottish independence, has now been unfurled for a separate purpose.
Up and down the land, the blue and white of Saint Andrew is fluttering from lampposts and being shown beside the union flag at anti-immigration protests.
Until recently those two flags were usually spotted on separate camps of the discussion regarding Scotland's future.
Now the saltire's presence is causing debate of its own at demonstrations from Perth to Aberdeen and from throughout central Scotland.
Clashing Patriotisms
This battle for the Scottish flag is additionally a struggle concerning what it signifies to be a nationalist in modern Scotland - a struggle among clashing national identities.
Leading Personalities
Steven Rennie is a central personality in these ongoing rallies.
He blends objection to separation and immigration with strong condemnation of the national party.
They seized our national flag as their own and for many years we've let them to wield it as a weapon of division and animosity.
Alternative Rallies
The gathering - kept apart from numerous opposing demonstrators by a line of police officers - cheered the denunciation of the SNP.
The SNP has wreaked havoc on Scotland, undermining our wealth and our potential at every turn.
Immigration Issues
Migration is a thorn in the side for the government leader and seems to be increasing up the schedule ahead of the Scottish government elections.
The channel crossing issue and the housing of refugees in emergency housing have sparked protests around the United Kingdom.
Community Views
A demonstrator, who gave his name as Mark, held a union flag emblazoned with "Halt the Boats".
He said government should be repairing struggling public systems, not allocating citizen resources on medical and dental care for refugees.
Alternative Perspectives
Near the accommodation a gathering of alternative activists, including many trade unionists, had collected.
They too were opposed to the government leader – but for separate causes.
Budgetary Issues
Both sides look to possess a feeling of dissatisfaction about the UK's ailing economy and the poor state of public services.
The actual problem in modern society is the people in government who fail to confront these issues head on.
Accommodation Shortage
An ongoing concern among demonstrators is about the quantity of immigrants being housed at local authority expense.
The problem is especially serious in Glasgow, which has the the nation's biggest amount of asylum seekers in public housing.
Emblematic Importance
Shawn, a refugee who lives in north Glasgow, feels the St. Andrew's Cross generally signifies tranquility, unity and acceptance.
However he states it is now being flown "by right-wing groups and racial prejudice".
Community Impact
Debates about flags are not simply happening in large Scottish municipalities and blue-collar areas.
In the prosperous Renfrewshire village of the Bridge community, the displaying of saltires has led to a row on the neighborhood online forum.
Policy Ramifications
The government head the SNP leader said arguments about immigration were being "fueled by a wider debate" going on in the UK and around the globe.
I believe in a Scottish community that is accepting, hospitable and embracing.
Political Future
Surveys preceding the Holyrood vote indicate a big lead for the nationalists.
No matter what banners are displayed by any political organization in the campaign, border control appears likely to claim its role alongside the budget and community services as a significant topic.
