A transformation has taken place in Scotland.
St. Andrew's Cross, which was long embraced by independence advocates, has currently been waved for a alternative movement.
Up and down the land, the blue and white of St Andrew is flying from poles and being waved alongside the Union Jack at anti-immigration protests.
In the past those two standards were typically observed on opposing sides of the conversation over Scotland's future.
Presently the showing of the Scottish flag is sparking disagreement of its own at demonstrations from Perth to Aberdeen and from throughout central Scotland.
Clashing Patriotisms
This conflict for Scotland's flag is furthermore a battle about what it means to be a patriot in contemporary Scotland - a battle of opposing patriotisms.
Leading Personalities
Steven Rennie is one of the prominent figures in these ongoing rallies.
He blends resistance to independence and immigration with strong condemnation of the Scottish National Party.
They claimed the saltire as their symbol and for many years we've permitted them to use it as a instrument of conflict and animosity.
Alternative Rallies
The crowd - divided from hundreds of counter-protesters by a barrier of law enforcement - applauded the criticism of the SNP.
The SNP has wreaked havoc on the country, dismantling our prosperity and our opportunities at all times.
Migration Concerns
Border control is a persistent problem for the current Prime Minister and seems to be increasing up the schedule ahead of the Holyrood elections.
The migrant boat situation and the sheltering of migrants in hotels have triggered rallies around the United Kingdom.
Regional Opinions
One protester, who identified himself as Mark, held a British flag displaying "Stop the Boats".
He said authorities should be addressing struggling public systems, not using public funds on medical treatment for refugees.
Alternative Perspectives
Outside the hotel a group of counter-protesters, including several labor representatives, had gathered.
They too were critical of the government leader – but for different reasons.
Economic Concerns
The two camps appear to share a attitude of disapproval about Britain's struggling economy and the bad condition of government services.
The actual problem in modern society is the people in government who are not addressing these problems directly.
Shelter Problems
One recurring complaint among demonstrators is about the number of migrants being sheltered through taxpayer money.
The situation is especially serious in Scotland's largest city, which has the Britain's largest quantity of refugees in council accommodation.
Emblematic Importance
An asylum seeker, a migrant residing in northern Glasgow, thinks the saltire usually represents calm, agreement and integration.
Yet he states it is now being flown "for extremist elements and discrimination".
Community Impact
Discussions concerning symbols are not simply happening in large Scottish municipalities and industrial communities.
In the wealthy Renfrewshire community of Bridge of Weir, the raising of Scottish flags has led to a row on the neighborhood online forum.
Political Implications
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said arguments about immigration were being "encouraged by a wider debate" going on in the UK and around the globe.
I support a Scottish community that is tolerant, welcoming and inclusive.
Voting Possibilities
Polls ahead of the Holyrood vote indicate a big lead for the Scottish National Party.
No matter what banners are shown by any political organization in the campaign, migration appears likely to claim its role alongside the financial system and government resources as a major concern.
