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Something has shifted in the Scottish landscape.

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

Up and down the land, the azure and white of Saint Andrew is waving from streetlights and being waved alongside the Union Jack at anti-immigration protests.

Previously those two symbols were more often seen on separate camps of the debate about Scotland's future.

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

Competing Nationalisms

This conflict for the Scottish flag is additionally a conflict over what it means to be a loyal citizen in contemporary Scotland - a conflict between opposing patriotisms.

Key Figures

One prominent activist is a central personality in these recent protests.

He blends objection to separation and immigration with harsh critique of the SNP.

They seized the saltire as their symbol and for over a decade we've let them to employ it as a tool of separation and animosity.

Alternative Rallies

The crowd - divided from numerous opposing demonstrators by a barrier of law enforcement - supported the condemnation of the SNP.

The nationalists have created chaos on the country, dismantling our prosperity and our potential at all times.

Border Control Debates

Immigration is a persistent problem for the government leader and appears to be rising up the agenda ahead of the Scottish parliamentary elections.

The migrant boat situation and the housing of refugees in emergency housing have sparked protests around the Britain.

Local Perspectives

A demonstrator, who gave his name as Mark, held a Union Jack showing "Halt the Boats".

He claimed politicians should be fixing ailing public services, not using public funds on medical and dental care for asylum seekers.

Counter-Arguments

Outside the hotel a collection of opposing demonstrators, including several labor representatives, had assembled.

They also were disapproving of the government leader – but for separate causes.

Budgetary Issues

Both sides appear to share a attitude of disapproval about the UK's ailing economy and the bad condition of government services.

The real issue in our society is the people in government who fail to confront these challenges head on.

Accommodation Shortage

An ongoing concern among protesters is about the quantity of immigrants being housed at local authority expense.

The problem is particularly severe in Scotland's largest city, which has the Britain's largest quantity of refugees in council accommodation.

Symbolic Meaning

One refugee, a asylum seeker dwelling in northern Glasgow, believes the St. Andrew's Cross generally signifies peace, harmony and inclusion.

But he says it is now being flown "for the far-right and discrimination".

Community Impact

Debates about flags are not only occurring in large Scottish municipalities and blue-collar areas.

In the wealthy Renfrewshire community of Bridge of Weir, the raising of Scottish flags has created conflict on the community social media.

Government Consequences

Scotland's First Minister the First Minister said debates concerning migration were being "fanned by a wider debate" going on in the UK and around the globe.

I advocate for a Scottish community that is accepting, hospitable and embracing.

Voting Possibilities

Research before May's Holyrood election show a significant advantage for the SNP.

No matter what banners are displayed by whatever political group in the election campaign, immigration appears likely to assume its position alongside the economy and public services as a big issue.