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A transformation has taken place in Scotland.

The saltire, which was long embraced by pro-independence groups, has currently been waved for a alternative movement.

Across the country, the blue and white of St Andrew is fluttering from lampposts and being shown beside the Union Jack at anti-immigration protests.

In the past those two symbols were usually spotted on different sides of the conversation over Scotland's future.

Presently the showing of the Scottish flag is causing debate of its own at rallies from Perth to Aberdeen and from Falkirk to Glasgow.

Clashing Patriotisms

This struggle for Scotland's flag is additionally a conflict over what it represents to be a loyal citizen in today's Scotland - a struggle among opposing patriotisms.

Leading Personalities

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

He combines objection to separation and migration with harsh critique of the national party.

They claimed our national flag as their property and for 12 long years we've permitted them to use it as a weapon of division and hostility.

Counter-Protests

The gathering - kept apart from many alternative rally participants by a cordoning of police - cheered the denunciation of the Scottish National Party.

The SNP has wreaked havoc on our nation, dismantling our prosperity and our opportunities at each opportunity.

Immigration Issues

Immigration is a persistent problem for Labour Prime Minister and looks to be growing up the priority list ahead of the Holyrood elections.

The channel crossing issue and the accommodation of asylum seekers in temporary accommodation have fuelled demonstrations around the United Kingdom.

Regional Opinions

One protester, who gave his name as Mark, held a union flag displaying "Stop the Boats".

He stated politicians should be fixing failing government services, not allocating citizen resources on healthcare services for migrants.

Opposing Views

Near the accommodation a group of counter-protesters, including numerous union members, had collected.

Additionally they were critical of the PM – but for alternative motivations.

Financial Worries

The two camps appear to share a feeling of dissatisfaction about the UK's ailing economy and the bad condition of community resources.

The actual problem in contemporary Britain is the people in government who are not addressing these issues head on.

Shelter Problems

A frequent grievance among protesters is about the quantity of immigrants being sheltered through taxpayer money.

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

Symbolic Meaning

One refugee, a refugee who lives in Glasgow's north side, thinks the saltire usually represents peace, harmony and inclusion.

But he states it is presently being waved "by right-wing groups and discrimination".

Community Impact

Discussions concerning symbols are not simply happening in major Scottish urban centers and industrial communities.

In the prosperous Renfrewshire town of Bridge of Weir, the hoisting of saltires has led to a row on the community social media.

Government Consequences

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said debates concerning migration were being "fueled by a wider debate" going on in the Britain and internationally.

I believe in a Scotland that is tolerant, welcoming and inclusive.

Voting Possibilities

Surveys preceding the Holyrood vote show a big lead for the nationalists.

Whatever flags are shown by any political organization in the political race, migration seems probable to claim its role alongside the financial system and government resources as a significant topic.