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A change has occurred in the Scottish landscape.

The saltire, historically adopted by pro-independence groups, has currently been waved for a different cause.

Up and down the land, the blue and white of St Andrew is flying from poles and being shown beside the Union Jack at anti-immigration protests.

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

Presently the display of the saltire is generating controversy of its own at protests from Perth to Aberdeen and from Falkirk to Glasgow.

Clashing Patriotisms

This battle for Scotland's flag is additionally a conflict over what it means to be a nationalist in contemporary Scotland - a battle of competing nationalisms.

Key Figures

Steven Rennie is a central personality in these current demonstrations.

He combines objection to separation and immigration with sharp criticism of the Scottish National Party.

They seized the Scottish flag as their own and for many years we've permitted them to employ it as a tool of separation and hate.

Opposing Demonstrations

The gathering - separated from many alternative rally participants by a barrier of law enforcement - cheered the denunciation of the Scottish National Party.

The nationalists have created chaos on Scotland, undermining our wealth and our capabilities at every turn.

Migration Concerns

Immigration is a thorn in the side for the current Prime Minister and looks to be growing up the priority list ahead of the Holyrood elections.

The small boats crisis and the accommodation of asylum seekers in emergency housing have fuelled demonstrations around the UK.

Local Perspectives

A demonstrator, who identified himself as Mark, held a Union Jack emblazoned with "Halt the Boats".

He said politicians should be fixing failing government services, not using public funds on medical treatment for refugees.

Counter-Arguments

Near the accommodation a collection of opposing demonstrators, including many trade unionists, had collected.

Additionally they were critical of the government leader – but for different reasons.

Financial Worries

Both sides appear to share a attitude of disapproval about Britain's struggling economy and the poor state of public services.

The actual problem in contemporary Britain is the elected officials who fail to confront these problems head on.

Shelter Problems

One recurring complaint among protesters is about the amount of newcomers being accommodated using council funds.

The problem is especially serious in the western city, which has the UK's highest number of migrants in government shelter.

Emblematic Importance

One refugee, a asylum seeker dwelling in north Glasgow, feels the Scottish flag typically symbolizes peace, harmony and inclusion.

However he says it is presently being waved "by right-wing groups and discrimination".

Social Consequences

Arguments over emblems are not simply happening in large Scottish municipalities and blue-collar areas.

In the prosperous Renfrewshire community of the Weir Bridge area, the hoisting of saltires has created conflict on the community social media.

Government Consequences

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

I advocate for a Scottish community that is tolerant, welcoming and inclusive.

Voting Possibilities

Polls ahead of the Scottish parliamentary election show a big lead for the Scottish National Party.

Whatever flags are shown by whichever party in the political race, migration seems probable to assume its position alongside the economy and public services as a major concern.