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A transformation has taken place in the Scottish landscape.

The saltire, historically adopted by independence advocates, has now been unfurled for a different cause.

Throughout the nation, the azure and white of Saint Andrew is fluttering from lampposts and being shown beside the union flag at rallies opposing migration.

Previously those two symbols were usually spotted on different sides of the discussion regarding Scotland's future.

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

Competing Nationalisms

This battle for the Scottish flag is also a conflict over what it represents to be a patriot in contemporary Scotland - a struggle among opposing patriotisms.

Prominent Voices

A leading figure is among the key voices in these current demonstrations.

He combines opposition to independence and migration with sharp criticism of the national party.

They seized the Scottish flag as their own and for many years we've let them to employ it as a instrument of conflict and hostility.

Alternative Rallies

The assembly - divided from numerous opposing demonstrators by a cordoning of police - cheered the denunciation of the national party.

The nationalists have created chaos on the country, undermining our wealth and our potential at every turn.

Border Control Debates

Immigration is a persistent problem for the current Prime Minister and seems to be increasing up the schedule ahead of the Holyrood elections.

The small boats crisis and the housing of refugees in hotels have sparked protests around the Britain.

Community Views

One protester, who identified himself as Mark, held a British flag displaying "Stop the Boats".

He stated government should be repairing failing government services, not allocating citizen resources on medical treatment for refugees.

Opposing Views

Outside the hotel a collection of opposing demonstrators, including many trade unionists, had assembled.

Additionally they were opposed to the PM – but for different reasons.

Financial Worries

The two camps appear to share a sense of disgust about the UK's ailing economy and the weak situation of community resources.

The real issue in modern society is the people in government who are not addressing these problems squarely.

Accommodation Shortage

One recurring complaint among demonstrators is about the number of migrants being accommodated using council funds.

The situation is particularly severe in Glasgow, which has the UK's highest number of migrants in government shelter.

Representative Significance

Shawn, a asylum seeker dwelling in northern Glasgow, thinks the saltire usually represents peace, harmony and inclusion.

However he says it is currently being displayed "by right-wing groups and racial prejudice".

Social Consequences

Debates about flags are not only occurring in major Scottish urban centers and industrial communities.

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

Policy Ramifications

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney said discussions regarding border control were being "fanned by a broader discussion" going on in the Britain and internationally.

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

Voting Possibilities

Polls ahead of the Scottish parliamentary election suggest a significant advantage for the SNP.

Regardless of which flags are shown by whichever party in the campaign, migration seems probable to claim its role alongside the financial system and government resources as a significant topic.