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A change has occurred in Scotland.

St. Andrew's Cross, which was long embraced by supporters of Scottish independence, has recently been displayed for a alternative movement.

Throughout the nation, the azure and white of Saint Andrew is fluttering from lampposts and being displayed with the union flag at anti-immigration protests.

Previously those two flags were typically observed on different sides of the conversation over Scotland's future.

Currently the saltire's presence is sparking disagreement of its own at rallies from across Scottish cities and from Glasgow to Falkirk.

Opposing National Identities

This battle for Scotland's flag is additionally a struggle concerning what it represents to be a loyal citizen in modern Scotland - a struggle among opposing patriotisms.

Leading Personalities

One prominent activist is among the key voices in these current demonstrations.

He mixes resistance to independence and immigration with strong condemnation of the SNP.

They appropriated our national flag as their symbol and for over a decade we've let them to use it as a weapon of division and animosity.

Counter-Protests

The crowd - kept apart from numerous opposing demonstrators by a barrier of law enforcement - cheered the denunciation of the SNP.

The party has caused damage on the country, dismantling our prosperity and our opportunities at every turn.

Border Control Debates

Border control is an ongoing issue for the current Prime Minister and seems to be increasing up the agenda ahead of the Holyrood elections.

The channel crossing issue and the accommodation of asylum seekers in hotels have fuelled demonstrations around the Britain.

Local Perspectives

A demonstrator, who gave his name as Mark, held a British flag displaying "Stop the Boats".

He said government should be repairing ailing public services, not using public funds on medical treatment for refugees.

Alternative Perspectives

At the temporary housing a group of counter-protesters, including numerous union members, had collected.

They also were disapproving of the prime minister – but for separate causes.

Economic Concerns

The two camps look to possess a feeling of dissatisfaction about Britain's struggling economy and the poor state of government services.

The actual problem in modern society is the elected officials who are not addressing these issues head on.

Accommodation Shortage

An ongoing concern among demonstrators is about the quantity of immigrants being sheltered through taxpayer money.

The situation is especially serious in the western city, which has the Britain's largest quantity of migrants in government shelter.

Representative Significance

Shawn, a migrant residing in north Glasgow, feels the saltire usually represents tranquility, unity and acceptance.

Yet he says it is currently being displayed "for extremist elements and racism".

Community Impact

Arguments over emblems are not just raging in Scotland's big cities and working class towns.

In the affluent Renfrewshire village of the Bridge community, the hoisting of saltires has created conflict on the neighborhood online forum.

Political Implications

The Scottish leader the First Minister said arguments about immigration were being "encouraged by a larger conversation" going on in the UK and around the globe.

I support a Scotland that is accepting, hospitable and embracing.

Election Prospects

Surveys preceding May's Holyrood election indicate a significant advantage for the nationalists.

No matter what banners are displayed by any political organization in the campaign, border control seems probable to take its place alongside the economy and public services as a major concern.