Later this month, up to 20,000 supporters of Scottish independence will march through the streets of Dundee in the latest All Under One Banner demonstration.
Tens of thousands of people have already taken part in similar marches in Glasgow, Dumfries, Stirling and Inverness this year.
Dundee is, of course, Scotland’s Yes City. We have SNP MPs, MSPs and an SNP-led minority council administration.
The city was one of only four local authority areas in Scotland to actually back independence in 2014.
All Under One Banner claims they will “march at regular intervals until Scotland is free” which is entirely their right.
The only question is whether the marchers do anything to advance the aim of Scottish independence or are they merely going round in circles? I suspect the latter.
Even if they do show support for a second referendum, the spectacles are unlikely to convince anyone previously opposed to independence to change their minds, nor are they likely to convince First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to pull the trigger on a new vote with the Brexit turmoil still unfolding.
If anything, the inconvenience is likely to harden opposition to independence among those who voted No four years ago.
While those in favour of independence remain fervently enthused by the issue, those against it are largely fatigued and fed-up with the constant focus on constitutional issues.
And while turnout for all the marches has been huge, it is reasonable to assume that the numbers are being swollen by a hardcore of supporters travelling round the country to attend each event. Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie even donned his leathers to join Yes Bikers for Independence in Glasgow.
The marchers do deserve praise for their behaviour on all of the previous parades. Despite the vast numbers involved the events have been trouble-free.
Far-right unionists attempting to stage a counter demonstration in Glasgow did nothing but make themselves look stupid even if the friendly, positive nature of the event was also undermined by the rather large banner carried by members of Siol nan Gaidheal proclaiming “Tory Scum Out” during the march.
The late SNP leader Gordon Wilson described the group as “proto-fascist” and its members are banned from joining the SNP.
Hopefully organisers of the August 18 event will make it clear that the group is not welcome in Dundee.
If the turnout on August 18 is anywhere as large as police expect, then the event will be an unforgettable spectacle and one of the largest public demonstrations in Dundee’s recent history.
By all accounts, the marches have been a jolly day out for most of those involved and undoubtedly help in keeping independence supporters engaged and excited about the prospects of IndyRef 2.
Just don’t expect them to achieve anything more than that.
