Something has shifted in Scotland.
St. Andrew's Cross, which was long embraced by pro-independence groups, has now been unfurled for a alternative movement.
Across the country, the blue and white of St Andrew is waving from streetlights and being waved alongside the union flag at anti-immigration protests.
Previously those two standards were more often seen on separate camps of the debate about Scotland's future.
Presently the saltire's presence is sparking disagreement of its own at demonstrations from Aberdeen to Perth and from throughout central Scotland.
Opposing National Identities
This struggle for the saltire is additionally a conflict over what it represents to be a patriot in contemporary Scotland - a conflict between opposing patriotisms.
Prominent Voices
Steven Rennie is one of the prominent figures in these current demonstrations.
He combines resistance to independence and immigration with strong condemnation of the SNP.
They claimed our national flag as their own and for over a decade we've permitted them to wield it as a weapon of division and hostility.
Opposing Demonstrations
The assembly - separated from hundreds of counter-protesters by a line of police officers - applauded the criticism of the SNP.
The nationalists have created chaos on our nation, dismantling our prosperity and our potential at every turn.
Immigration Issues
Migration is a persistent problem for the current Prime Minister and looks to be growing up the schedule ahead of the Scottish government elections.
The small boats crisis and the sheltering of migrants in emergency housing have triggered rallies around the Britain.
Regional Opinions
One protester, who called himself Mark, held a Union Jack showing "Stop the Boats".
He claimed government should be repairing ailing public services, not allocating citizen resources on healthcare services for asylum seekers.
Alternative Perspectives
At the temporary housing a collection of opposing demonstrators, including several labor representatives, had gathered.
They also were disapproving of the prime minister – but for separate causes.
Budgetary Issues
The opposing groups seem to have a sense of disgust about the UK's ailing economy and the weak situation of government services.
The true concern in our society is the political leaders who aren't tackling these challenges squarely.
Accommodation Shortage
A frequent grievance among demonstrators is about the amount of newcomers being accommodated using council funds.
The problem is particularly severe in Glasgow, which has the Britain's largest quantity of refugees in council accommodation.
Emblematic Importance
Shawn, a asylum seeker dwelling in northern Glasgow, thinks the Scottish flag typically symbolizes peace, harmony and inclusion.
But he claims it is now being flown "for extremist elements and racism".
Public Effect
Discussions concerning symbols are not simply happening in major Scottish urban centers and blue-collar areas.
In the wealthy Renfrewshire town of the Bridge community, the raising of Scottish flags has led to a row on the local Facebook group.
Government Consequences
The Scottish leader John Swinney said discussions regarding border control were being "fanned by a wider debate" going on in the Britain and internationally.
I support a Scottish society that is accepting, hospitable and embracing.
Political Future
Polls ahead of the Scottish parliamentary election show a substantial margin for the nationalists.
Regardless of which flags are displayed by any political organization in the election campaign, migration appears likely to claim its role alongside the economy and public services as a big issue.
