Something has shifted in the Scottish landscape.
The saltire, historically adopted by supporters of Scottish independence, has currently been waved for a separate purpose.
Up and down the land, the azure and white of St Andrew is fluttering from lampposts and being shown beside the Union Jack at anti-immigration protests.
Previously those two standards were more often seen on opposing sides of the conversation over Scotland's future.
Presently the saltire's presence is sparking disagreement of its own at protests from Aberdeen to Perth and from Falkirk to Glasgow.
Opposing National Identities
This conflict for Scotland's flag is also a struggle concerning what it means to be a nationalist in modern Scotland - a struggle among clashing national identities.
Key Figures
One prominent activist is among the key voices in these current demonstrations.
He combines opposition to independence and immigration with sharp criticism of the Scottish National Party.
They appropriated our national flag as their own and for many years we've permitted them to wield it as a tool of separation and hostility.
Counter-Protests
The gathering - kept apart from numerous opposing demonstrators by a line of police officers - supported the condemnation of the national party.
The nationalists have created chaos on Scotland, weakening our economy and our potential at every turn.
Border Control Debates
Migration is a thorn in the side for the government leader and looks to be growing up the priority list ahead of the Scottish parliamentary elections.
The small boats crisis and the housing of refugees in temporary accommodation have triggered rallies around the UK.
Local Perspectives
One protester, who called himself Mark, held a Union Jack displaying "Halt the Boats".
He claimed government should be repairing ailing public services, not using public funds on medical treatment for asylum seekers.
Counter-Arguments
At the temporary housing a gathering of alternative activists, including many trade unionists, had assembled.
Additionally they were critical of the PM – but for different reasons.
Financial Worries
Both sides seem to have a feeling of dissatisfaction about the nation's weak finances and the poor state of government services.
The actual problem in contemporary Britain is the political leaders who aren't tackling these challenges directly.
Accommodation Shortage
A frequent grievance among activists is about the number of migrants being accommodated using council funds.
The situation is especially serious in Glasgow, which has the the nation's biggest amount of asylum seekers in public housing.
Symbolic Meaning
One refugee, a migrant residing in Glasgow's north side, feels the St. Andrew's Cross generally signifies tranquility, unity and acceptance.
But he states it is presently being waved "for the far-right and racial prejudice".
Community Impact
Arguments over emblems are not simply happening in major Scottish urban centers and industrial communities.
In the prosperous Renfrewshire town of the Bridge community, the raising of Scottish flags has caused controversy on the neighborhood online forum.
Policy Ramifications
The Scottish leader the SNP leader said discussions regarding border control were being "encouraged by a broader discussion" going on in the Britain and internationally.
I advocate for a Scottish society that is open-minded, receptive and comprehensive.
Election Prospects
Research before the Scottish parliamentary election indicate a substantial margin for the nationalists.
Regardless of which flags are waved by whichever party in the election campaign, migration appears likely to assume its position alongside the economy and public services as a major concern.
