Something has shifted in the Scottish landscape.
St. Andrew's Cross, traditionally supported by pro-independence groups, has now been unfurled for a alternative movement.
Across the country, the blue and white of St Andrew is fluttering from lampposts and being displayed with the union flag at rallies opposing migration.
Until recently those two flags were typically observed on different sides of the conversation over Scotland's future.
Presently the showing of the Scottish flag is causing debate of its own at demonstrations from across Scottish cities and from throughout central Scotland.
Clashing Patriotisms
This struggle for the Scottish flag is furthermore a conflict over what it means to be a nationalist in modern Scotland - a battle of competing nationalisms.
Leading Personalities
A leading figure is a central personality in these ongoing rallies.
He mixes opposition to independence and migration with strong condemnation of the Scottish National Party.
They seized the Scottish flag as their symbol and for many years we've permitted them to wield it as a weapon of division and hostility.
Alternative Rallies
The gathering - divided from numerous opposing demonstrators by a cordoning of police - cheered the denunciation of the Scottish National Party.
The party has caused damage on the country, weakening our economy and our opportunities at all times.
Immigration Issues
Migration is a thorn in the side for the current Prime Minister and appears to be rising up the schedule ahead of the Scottish government elections.
The channel crossing issue and the housing of refugees in temporary accommodation have sparked protests around the Britain.
Regional Opinions
An activist, who identified himself as Mark, held a Union Jack showing "End Channel Crossings".
He stated politicians should be fixing failing government services, not allocating citizen resources on medical and dental care for migrants.
Opposing Views
Near the accommodation a gathering of alternative activists, including numerous union members, had collected.
Additionally they were disapproving of the government leader – but for alternative motivations.
Financial Worries
The opposing groups seem to have a attitude of disapproval about the UK's ailing economy and the poor state of public services.
The actual problem in modern society is the political leaders who aren't tackling these problems head on.
Housing Crisis
A frequent grievance among activists is about the number of migrants being accommodated using council funds.
The situation is most acute in the western city, which has the UK's highest number of asylum seekers in public housing.
Representative Significance
Shawn, a asylum seeker dwelling in northern Glasgow, thinks the Scottish flag typically symbolizes tranquility, unity and acceptance.
But he states it is presently being waved "for extremist elements and discrimination".
Social Consequences
Debates about flags are not only occurring in major Scottish urban centers and working class towns.
In the prosperous Renfrewshire community of the Bridge community, the raising of Scottish flags has led to a row on the community social media.
Political Implications
The Scottish leader the SNP leader said debates concerning migration were being "fanned by a wider debate" going on in the Britain and internationally.
I support a Scottish community that is accepting, hospitable and embracing.
Political Future
Polls ahead of the Scottish parliamentary election indicate a substantial margin for the nationalists.
Whatever flags are displayed by whichever party in the political race, immigration appears likely to assume its position alongside the budget and community services as a big issue.
