A pair of rival pro-independence groups are fighting over the right to march in Arbroath.
Battle lines have been drawn after the Scottish Independence Movement and All Under One Banner both gave notice to Angus Council they intend to march on April 4.
All Under One Banner criticised for pro-indy march during Arbroath’s 2020 celebrations
The Scottish Independence Movement was recently launched by ex-members of AUOB led by Manny Singh, who said the Arbroath march was initially his idea. He has urged AUOB to withdraw their notice and reschedule.
Neil Mackay of AUOB said the group would not change its plans and told Mr Singh to “back off”.
An Angus Council spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have received notification of two public processions for this date and both are currently subject to the application process.”
Local authorities are obliged to take into account a number of considerations when making a decision about holding a procession and can impose conditions.
Council officers and elected members are obliged to examine the likely effect of holding the procession in relation to public safety, public order, damage to property and disruption of the life of the community.
The civic licensing committee is strictly non-political in its decision making.
Mr Singh said he served notice with Angus Council for the procession before he left AUOB in July.
He said: “It was a march to ask people from all sides of the political divide to come together to celebrate this anniversary no matter which way they vote.
“I wanted Catholics, Protestants, Yes voters, No voters, Nationalists and Unionists to join forces and put their differences aside to mark a special milestone.
“The application to Angus Council was lodged in my name over one year ago and I have gone back to amend the details to the Scottish Independence Movement since leaving AUOB.
“AUOB has also lodged an application for the exact same day, exact same route and exact same time, and I think this is a dangerous precedent to set.
“They have decided to hijack my events and steal my ideas but it will be up to the council to decide what organisation they give it to. In my view it should be first come, first served.
“AUOB should reschedule for a different day at a different time.”
Mr Mackay described Mr Singh’s behaviour as “cringeworthy”.
“It is highly embarrassing for this expelled member of AUOB to claim AUOB Arbroath is his march when he was expunged from our organisation in July.
“The April 4 March for Independence at Arbroath has always been an All Under One Banner event and will not be getting rescheduled.”
The mass rally will clash with the start of locally-organised Arbroath 2020 events to mark 700 years since the 1320 signing of the Declaration of Arbroath. A 2020 parade planned for the same day as the AUOB one is believed to have been moved.
