Scottish independence marchers claim victory in battle to overturn Holyrood Park ban

ORGANISERS of a pro-independence march through Edinburgh tomorrow have claimed victory in their bid to hold part of the rally in Holyrood Park.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Oct 2018, 15:55 BST- 1 min read

Updated 6th Oct 2018, 12:42 BST

The 'biggest indy rally yet'had been facing a crisis over location after being denied access to an Edinburgh park.

Around 50,000 people are expected to take part in the march down the Royal Mile, staged by All Under One Banner, starting at Johnston Terrace at 1pm on Saturday 6 October and finishing at the Scottish Parliament.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES), who manage next-door Holyrood Park, had refused permission for a demonstration, saying they could not allow events of a “political nature” in the park.

Scottish independence marchers hope for last-minute U turn on Holyrod Park rally...

But at 3:30 today, All Under One Banner, the organisers of the event said the ban had been overturned. The group tweeted: “#AUOB are victorious.

“We have just left a lengthy meeting with Edinburgh council, Police Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland where an executive call was made by Police to facilitate our Rally at Holyrood park in the interests of H & S and public order.”

However, Historic Environment Scotland has insisted on its website that the ban remains in force.

A statement reads: “Our position on use of the Park for any rally after the march remains the same. It has not been overruled by Police Scotland.

“To confirm, we have not given permission for the set-up of stalls, staging, branding and other static presence within Holyrood Park.

“We wish to advise that the public will be able to access Holyrood Park as normal on Saturday 6 October.”

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