Campaigners took to the streets of Dundee at the weekend to voice fears that the NHS will not be around in another 70 years if cuts to the service continue.
The Defend the NHS demonstration started at the Cowgate underpass, with more than 200 people marching to Albert Square.
The crowd gathered outside McManus Galleries, where series of speakers underlined their strategy for saving the health service.
Organised by Dundee Against Cuts with help from Unite the Union, Dundee Trades Union Council and Unison, the event was held as a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the NHS — and to act as a warning that further cuts could lead to its demise.
Stuart Fairweather, chairman of Dundee TUC, said: “We were very pleased with the turnout. We have good people from all walks of life supporting the NHS.
“What we are doing is celebrating the anniversary, but we want to ensure it is safe for the next 70 years.
“Hopefully this gives a boost to the many health workers in Tayside.
“After today we would encourage those interested to support Dundee Against Cuts.”
Labour MSP for North East Scotland Jenny Marra was among the speakers.
She said: “It’s important to mark the anniversary of the NHS as it is the most successful health service in the world where health care is given free at point of delivery.
“But there are still problems in the health service, such as in Dundee with mental health, so it is important that we all aware of these issues.”
The other speakers included Erik Cramb, of Dundee Access Group, Jim McFarlane, from Unison, and Mr Fairweather.
A petition calling for an end to cuts to health care was circulated at the demonstration.
Rosie Jackson, chairwoman of the Scottish Pensioner Forum, was among the crowd at the rally.
She said: “It’s important to us as pensioners that the NHS continues. We are living longer as a result of it and we have paid the most into it.”
The event closed with the crowd singing happy birthday to the NHS.
