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A transformation has taken place in Scotland.

The saltire, which was long embraced by independence advocates, has recently been displayed for a separate purpose.

Up and down the land, the azure and white of St Andrew is waving from streetlights and being displayed with the Union Jack at anti-immigration protests.

In the past those two standards were usually spotted on separate camps of the conversation over Scotland's future.

Currently the display of the saltire is sparking disagreement of its own at rallies from Perth to Aberdeen and from Falkirk to Glasgow.

Clashing Patriotisms

This struggle for the saltire is additionally a struggle concerning what it means to be a loyal citizen in today's Scotland - a struggle among clashing national identities.

Key Figures

A leading figure is one of the prominent figures in these recent protests.

He mixes objection to separation and migration with strong condemnation of the SNP.

They claimed the Scottish flag as their symbol and for over a decade we've let them to use it as a instrument of conflict and hate.

Alternative Rallies

The crowd - divided from hundreds of counter-protesters by a cordoning of police - cheered the denunciation of the SNP.

The party has caused damage on the country, dismantling our prosperity and our capabilities at each opportunity.

Immigration Issues

Border control is a persistent problem for Labour Prime Minister and looks to be growing up the priority list ahead of the Scottish government elections.

The small boats crisis and the sheltering of migrants in temporary accommodation have sparked protests around the Britain.

Community Views

An activist, who called himself Mark, held a British flag displaying "End Channel Crossings".

He stated politicians should be fixing struggling public systems, not using public funds on medical treatment for refugees.

Opposing Views

Outside the hotel a gathering of alternative activists, including numerous union members, had assembled.

Additionally they were disapproving of the PM – but for alternative motivations.

Budgetary Issues

The two camps seem to have a attitude of disapproval about the nation's weak finances and the poor state of community resources.

The true concern in our society is the people in government who fail to confront these challenges head on.

Accommodation Shortage

An ongoing concern among activists is about the quantity of immigrants being housed at local authority expense.

The issue is most acute in the western city, which has the Britain's largest quantity of asylum seekers in public housing.

Emblematic Importance

One refugee, a refugee who lives in Glasgow's north side, thinks the Scottish flag typically symbolizes calm, agreement and integration.

However he claims it is presently being waved "for the far-right and racism".

Social Consequences

Arguments over emblems are not only occurring in large Scottish municipalities and working class towns.

In the wealthy Renfrewshire village of Bridge of Weir, the hoisting of saltires has caused controversy on the neighborhood online forum.

Policy Ramifications

The Scottish leader the First Minister said arguments about immigration were being "encouraged by a wider debate" going on in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

I support a Scotland that is tolerant, welcoming and inclusive.

Election Prospects

Polls ahead of the Holyrood vote indicate a big lead for the Scottish National Party.

Regardless of which flags are displayed by any political organization in the campaign, immigration seems probable to take its place alongside the budget and community services as a significant topic.