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Something has shifted in the Scottish landscape.

St. Andrew's Cross, which was long embraced by supporters of Scottish independence, has now been unfurled for a separate purpose.

Across the country, the blue and white of St Andrew is fluttering from lampposts and being shown beside the union flag at demonstrations against immigration.

In the past those two flags were more often seen on separate camps of the debate about Scotland's future.

Presently the display of the saltire is sparking disagreement of its own at demonstrations from Aberdeen to Perth and from throughout central Scotland.

Competing Nationalisms

This struggle for the Scottish flag is furthermore a struggle concerning what it represents to be a patriot in modern Scotland - a struggle among competing nationalisms.

Leading Personalities

One prominent activist is among the key voices in these current demonstrations.

He blends objection to separation and migration with sharp criticism of the national party.

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

Opposing Demonstrations

The gathering - kept apart from hundreds of counter-protesters by a barrier of law enforcement - cheered the denunciation of the Scottish National Party.

The SNP has wreaked havoc on Scotland, dismantling our prosperity and our potential at each opportunity.

Immigration Issues

Border control is an ongoing issue for the current Prime Minister and appears to be rising up the schedule ahead of the Holyrood elections.

The small boats crisis and the sheltering of migrants in emergency housing have sparked protests around the United Kingdom.

Regional Opinions

One protester, who called himself Mark, held a British flag displaying "End Channel Crossings".

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

Opposing Views

At the temporary housing a collection of opposing demonstrators, including many trade unionists, had assembled.

They too were opposed to the prime minister – but for different reasons.

Budgetary Issues

Both sides look to possess a sense of disgust about the nation's weak finances and the weak situation of public services.

The actual problem in modern society is the political leaders who are not addressing these challenges directly.

Shelter Problems

A frequent grievance among activists is about the number of migrants being accommodated using council funds.

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

Emblematic Importance

One refugee, a migrant residing in Glasgow's north side, feels the Scottish flag typically symbolizes calm, agreement and integration.

However he says it is currently being displayed "for the far-right and racial prejudice".

Social Consequences

Discussions concerning symbols are not only occurring in Scotland's big cities and blue-collar areas.

In the prosperous Renfrewshire community of the Weir Bridge area, the hoisting of saltires has caused controversy on the neighborhood online forum.

Political Implications

The Scottish leader the SNP leader said discussions regarding border control were being "fueled by a broader discussion" going on in the Britain and internationally.

I support a Scotland that is tolerant, welcoming and inclusive.

Voting Possibilities

Surveys preceding the Scottish parliamentary election indicate a big lead for the SNP.

Regardless of which flags are shown by whatever political group in the political race, border control seems probable to take its place alongside the financial system and government resources as a major concern.