Our sister paper, The National, is hosting an independence rally in Glasgow's George Square this weekend. 

The event marks the first time that the paper has arranged a rally. Here's everything you need to know. 

Where and when will the event take place?

The free event, #indyref2020: The National’s Rally for Independence, will take place on Saturday, November 2 starting at 1:30pm. It is expected to last for around 2 hours. So far 7,000 people have expressed an interest in going on the event's official Facebook page. 

READ MORE: Glasgow pro-independence march ordered to re-route over disruption fears

 

Who will be speaking at the rally?

Secretaries Michael Russell and Humza Yousaf are the latest speakers confirmed to be taking part in The National’s rally for independence. 

The line up also includes First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and marks the first time the SNP leader has addressed a public independence rally since 2014. Joining First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is National columnist Paul Kavanagh, aka the Wee Ginger Dug; the co-leader of the Scottish Greens, Patrick Harvie; Maggie Chapman, convener of the Scottish Independence Convention; Suzanne McLaughlin, board member of Women for Independence; Mhairi Black, the SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South; the comedian, playwright and author Janey Godley and Catalan and Scottish independence activist Valentina Servera Clavell.

The event is being supported by the Scottish Independence Foundation and is being organised by Sunday National editor Richard Walker.   

Travel advice for the Scottish independence rally 

The National has received advice from Glasgow City Council for those attending the rally. 

Any coaches should head to Cochrane Street but the preference for Saturday is to leave the car at home if possible and use public transport– Queen Street station, Buchanan Street subway and bus stations are all nearby. All attendees are asked to be respectful of the Garden of Remembrance and the Cenotaph.

Organisers at The National and Sunday National have urged that the event should pass off peacefully and that everyone taking part does so safely.

What is the forecast? 

The weather is expected to be overcast with the Met Office forecasting temperatures of around 10C. 

What's been said about the event?

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I’m really looking forward to speaking at the #indyref2020 rally in George Square next Saturday afternoon – and I hope people from all over the country will come together and make Scotland’s voice heard.”

Brexit Secretary Michael Russell said: “There couldn’t be a better time to campaign for an independent Scotland in Europe, because it is crystal clear that the only way to get done with Brexit is to chose independence. Nothing else will end the current nightmare.

“Independence will open up the road to a better future for all who live here , and who want to come and join us. That is the message I am going to take the length and breadth of Scotland in the next few weeks starting in George Square on Saturday. Bring it on.”

Huma Yousaf, the Justice Secretary said: “The notion of the UK as a partnership of equals has been shattered beyond repair by events since 2016.

The aftermath of the first independence referendum in 2014 saw much talk from unionists about a respect agenda. How hollow those words now ring.

“That is why this election is so important. Because the key question is this: Who governs Scotland – the people who live here, or an arrogant, out of touch Tory Government who will never put our national interests first? I’m proud to be attending tomorrow’s independence rally in Glasgow.”

READ MORE: Pro-indy marchers could be told to re-route to avoid ‘disruption’

Sunday National editor Richard Walker said: “We want to bring the movement together and speak with one voice to send a message to Westminster that we don’t ask, we demand the opportunity to take control of our own future.

“We hope that people will come from all over the country to join us in Glasgow."

Will road closures be in place during the event?With thousands of people expected to attend the march, Glasgow City Council have issued advice to those travelling in the city centre during the day.

Several roads are due to be closed for up to four hours during the rally.

The following roads will be closed to all vehicles from 10am to 4pm:

Cochrane Street for its full length

George Square (South and East)

Hanover Street

South Frederick Street

John Street between Cochrane Street and Ingram Street

Montrose Street, between Ingram Street and Cochrane Street

The following roads will be closed to all vehicles from 12:30pm to 4pm:

George Square (North and West)

George Street between West Nile Street and John Street

North Hanover Street between George Square and Cathedral Street

Nelson Mandela Place

North Frederick Street for its full length