I arrived at Edinburgh train station a little bit late due to me missing my earlier train. But luckily, the train runs every half hour to Edinburgh from where I stay and so, I managed to catch the next one.
When I got to the doors of the Scottish Parliament I immediately spotted a very disappointed member of our group sitting near by. It was already 11.15 am and there was only 2 of us!!
But never mind!
After speaking to a couple of very "confused" Police officers, and sorting out a misunderstanding, we were finally ready to set up.
Shortly after setting up (remember, only me and another member) another member of our group showed up along with a few member of a campaign called ECAP or ACE ( Autonomous Center of Edinburgh)
ACE is an independent group of people who volunteer their time to help those who need a little hand with filling application forms or getting some further advise in all sorts of issues ie : benefits, immigration, housing, etc. Their fundamental point is after all, fight for basic human rights.
The ACE members brought their own banners and displayed them alongside ours. We exchanged leaflets and had a good long chat about our causes. It was fun to meet like minded people.
Lunchtime arrive and it was busy times!( Did I mention how beautiful, sunny and warm it was!)
Some passers by started to approach us and we gave out some leaflets. Spoke to a few people explaining how this rules are affecting thousands of families in the UK. Many seemed shocked as they were not aware of the circumstances of family immigration rules.
We wrapped up shortly after lunchtime.
Despite the small number of members that showed up, we reached a fair number of audience. For that, I am truly grateful.
I feel grateful that we got to meet with more people that are suffering or have been affected by the rules. Because it gave them a platform to express how they feel and the pressure it has put them under.
It has become more clearer to me how unfair and irrational these rules are, and I could see first hand the impact it has on some people, on their daily lives, their emotions, their financial affairs, mental and physical health in some cases.
I never felt so strong about the feel to shout out loud that these rules must be abolished once and for all!
Overall, the Demo was a success, and as I said before, poor numbers, but it didn't affect the message. The purpose was served and that is all that matters.
Special thanks to the members that attended and the member from ECAP. They seemed like a very good pair of like minded people.
My goal now is that, maybe, for the next demo we schedule, we could join forces with similar groups or independent movements. It really does work. Watch this space!
Number of people attending is essential for a next demo any how.
Some pictures from the event below.
Thank you again to those that showed up and made the day possible!
Peace out
Francisca Nicol
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