First Minister John Swinney MSP, to speak at Believe in Scotland’s March and Rally for Scottish Independence.
Believe in Scotland is organising a March and Rally for Scottish independence in Edinburgh, Saturday March 28th 2026.
We are expecting thousands to march with us and attend the rally and a full roster of speakers will be announced over the coming weeks including political leaders, campaigners and other public figures.
However, this rally will be significant for two key reasons:
Firstly, This will be the first independence march and rally that will be addressed by the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney MSP
Secondly, Believe in Scotland aims to use this event to put independence and Scotland’s right to decide Scotland’s future at the top of the Scottish political agenda ahead of the Holyrood Election.
First Minister and SNP Leader, John Swinney said:
“There has never been a more important moment for our movement to come together - and this day will be about hope, confidence, and choice.
“With every week seems to bring more evidence of just how a Westminster system, broken beyond repair, people across Scotland deserve the chance of a fresh start with independence.
“And, let there be no doubt: that decision belongs in Scotland - with the people who live and work in this country.
"Independence is how we build a fairer economy, protect our public services, and make sure the decisions that shape our lives are made in Scotland, by those who care most about this country.
“The SNP is offering the people of Scotland a chance to vote for that fresh start on 7th May and I could not be prouder to be marching alongside so many who continue to work tirelessly to ensure Scotland’s future is in Scotland’s hands.
"Scotland has everything it needs to succeed, and at this rally on 28th March we will say clearly: our future is ours to choose. I encourage every independence supporter to join me and help build an independent Scotland - together.” ENDS
Details of the March
The marchers will start to gather from 11.30am on the Royal Mile by Parliament Square. The march will begin at 12.00pm. Soar Alba Pipes and Drums will lead the march down The Royal Mile and onto the gathering on Calton Hill.
The march is expected to arrive at Calton Hill around 1.20pm, and begin the rally soon after that.
BiS founder Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp said:
“This march and rally isn't a protest, it will be a celebration of Scotland's potential as an independent nation, one that will thrive once free from the negative impact of distant, incompetent, uncaring London rule. This gathering also represents a clear statement that our campaign will not stop, nor even slow till Scotland becomes an independent nation again.”
“Join us and send a clear message that the Scottish people have a democratic right to decide Scotland's future ahead of this year's Scottish parliamentary elections and when we do, we will decide to become independent."
