HUNDREDS TAKE PART IN MARCH FOR SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE
Hundreds of people have taken part in a march through Glasgow in support of Scottish independence.
The procession, organised by All Under One Banner, set off from Kelvin Way in the city's west end at about 11:30.
It comes days after Humza Yousaf quit as first minister, saying independence "feels frustratingly close" in his resignation speech.
His likely successor, John Swinney, told BBC's Newsnight the SNP would have “win more hearts and minds” on the matter first.
The march headed along Sauchiehall Street before making its way to Glasgow Green.
Speakers there included SNP MP Alison Thewliss and Alba MP Kenny MacAskill, with Alba leader Alex Salmond also seen in the crowd.
Many participants carried pro-Palestinian flags and banners which called for a ceasefire in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.
Mr MacAskill said that many Scots were fuel poor despite the country's "massive energy wealth", which he said was keeping the UK afloat.
He said: "This is the price of being run by a Tory government in Westminster which exploits our resources with Scotland having little to show for it in return.
"Only with independence will we be able to make our resources work for the people of Scotland and finally end the indignity of fuel poverty amidst energy plenty."
It comes at a pivotal time for the independence movement, following the collapse of the SNP's power sharing deal with the Scottish Greens.
Mr Yousaf made the decision to abruptly end the agreement just 48 hours after saying he had no intention of doing so.
This angered the Greens and left him struggling to secure enough support in order to lead a minority government.
Facing two votes of no confidence that he was not certain to win, he then resigned as first minister on Monday - 13 months after stepping into the role.
Former Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who led the SNP between 2000 and 2004, is widely expected to win the leadership unopposed after former leadership candidate Kate Forbes confirmed she would not challenge him.
Mr Swinney said the party was not as "cohesive" as it should be but he could bring it "back together".
Nominations for the SNP leadership close at noon on Monday.
2024-05-04T14:01:47Z dg43tfdfdgfd