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Something has shifted in the Scottish landscape.

The saltire, historically adopted by supporters of Scottish independence, has recently been displayed for a different cause.

Up and down the land, the blue and white of Saint Andrew is fluttering from lampposts and being displayed with the Union Jack at rallies opposing migration.

Until recently those two flags were usually spotted on opposing sides of the conversation over Scotland's future.

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

Competing Nationalisms

This conflict for the Scottish flag is furthermore a struggle concerning what it means to be a nationalist in contemporary Scotland - a struggle among opposing patriotisms.

Leading Personalities

One prominent activist is among the key voices in these recent protests.

He combines objection to separation and immigration with harsh critique of the Scottish National Party.

They appropriated the Scottish flag as their property and for many years we've permitted them to use it as a instrument of conflict and animosity.

Alternative Rallies

The gathering - divided from numerous opposing demonstrators by a barrier of law enforcement - cheered the denunciation of the SNP.

The nationalists have created chaos on Scotland, dismantling our prosperity and our potential at each opportunity.

Migration Concerns

Immigration is an ongoing issue for the current Prime Minister and seems to be increasing up the schedule ahead of the Scottish government elections.

The channel crossing issue and the housing of refugees in temporary accommodation have sparked protests around the UK.

Community Views

A demonstrator, who called himself Mark, held a Union Jack showing "End Channel Crossings".

He claimed politicians should be fixing failing government services, not spending taxpayers' money on medical treatment for refugees.

Counter-Arguments

Near the accommodation a gathering of alternative activists, including several labor representatives, had collected.

Additionally they were opposed to the government leader – but for separate causes.

Budgetary Issues

Both sides appear to share a sense of disgust about Britain's struggling economy and the bad condition of public services.

The real issue in our society is the people in government who fail to confront these problems squarely.

Housing Crisis

An ongoing concern among activists is about the quantity of immigrants being sheltered through taxpayer money.

The problem is especially serious in Glasgow, which has the Britain's largest quantity of asylum seekers in public housing.

Symbolic Meaning

An asylum seeker, a refugee who lives in north Glasgow, believes the St. Andrew's Cross generally signifies tranquility, unity and acceptance.

But he states it is presently being waved "for the far-right and racial prejudice".

Public Effect

Debates about flags are not only occurring in major Scottish urban centers and blue-collar areas.

In the prosperous Renfrewshire community of the Weir Bridge area, the raising of Scottish flags has led to a row on the neighborhood online forum.

Political Implications

The Scottish leader John Swinney said arguments about immigration were being "fanned by a larger conversation" going on in the UK and around the globe.

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

Voting Possibilities

Surveys preceding the Scottish parliamentary election suggest a substantial margin for the nationalists.

Whatever flags are shown by whichever party in the election campaign, migration looks set to take its place alongside the budget and community services as a big issue.