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A change has occurred in the Scottish landscape.

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

Across the country, the azure and white of Saint Andrew is flying from poles and being displayed with the Union Jack at anti-immigration protests.

Until recently those two standards were typically observed on opposing sides of the debate about Scotland's future.

Presently the showing of the Scottish flag is sparking disagreement of its own at demonstrations from Perth to Aberdeen and from Glasgow to Falkirk.

Competing Nationalisms

This struggle for Scotland's flag is also a battle about what it signifies to be a patriot in contemporary Scotland - a battle of opposing patriotisms.

Prominent Voices

A leading figure is a central personality in these recent protests.

He blends objection to separation and immigration with harsh critique of the national party.

They seized the saltire as their own and for over a decade we've let them to use it as a weapon of division and hate.

Opposing Demonstrations

The gathering - separated from numerous opposing demonstrators by a line of police officers - applauded the criticism of the national party.

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

Border Control Debates

Migration is an ongoing issue for Labour Prime Minister and seems to be increasing up the priority list ahead of the Scottish parliamentary elections.

The channel crossing issue and the housing of refugees in emergency housing have sparked protests around the UK.

Community Views

A demonstrator, who gave his name as Mark, held a union flag emblazoned with "Halt the Boats".

He claimed government should be repairing ailing public services, not spending taxpayers' money on medical treatment for migrants.

Counter-Arguments

At the temporary housing a gathering of alternative activists, including several labor representatives, had collected.

They also were opposed to the government leader – but for different reasons.

Budgetary Issues

The two camps seem to have a attitude of disapproval about the nation's weak finances and the bad condition of public services.

The true concern in our society is the elected officials who are not addressing these issues directly.

Housing Crisis

An ongoing concern among protesters is about the quantity of immigrants being accommodated using council funds.

The issue is especially serious in Scotland's largest city, which has the Britain's largest quantity of refugees in council accommodation.

Emblematic Importance

An asylum seeker, a asylum seeker dwelling in northern Glasgow, thinks the Scottish flag typically symbolizes calm, agreement and integration.

But he says it is currently being displayed "by right-wing groups and racial prejudice".

Community Impact

Debates about flags are not just raging in large Scottish municipalities and industrial communities.

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

Political Implications

Scotland's First Minister the SNP leader said discussions regarding border control were being "encouraged by a wider debate" going on in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

I support a Scottish society that is accepting, hospitable and embracing.

Political Future

Surveys preceding May's Holyrood election suggest a big lead for the nationalists.

No matter what banners are shown by whatever political group in the election campaign, border control seems probable to take its place alongside the economy and public services as a significant topic.