Thousands to join anti-poverty march through city at weekend

Thousands of people are expected to take part in a national antipoverty march through Edinburgh on Saturday calling for “fundamental change” including better jobs and more investment in affordable homes and public services.

- by Ian Swanson

Around 5000 people are expected to take part in the Scotland Demands Better march through Edinburgh on Saturday, calling for 'fundamental change'

(Picture: Alan Rennie)

The Scotland Demands Better demonstration will start from the Scottish Parliament at 11am, then head up to the Royal Mile and along George IV Bridge, finishing in the Meadows.

Several city centre streets will be closed before and during the march.

At the Meadows, there will be a family-friendly rally with speeches, entertainment and music. Headline speaker will be the writer and TV presenter Darren McGarvey.

More than 260 antipoverty groups, trade unions, church and faith groups, environmental activists, charities and community organisations will take part in the event. Organisers say they hope around 5000 people will join the march.

Campaigners say there is growing public anger at a lack of fundamental political action to build a better society.

And the demonstration is focused on three demands: better jobs for everyone who needs one, with fair conditions and wages that pay the bills; better investment in essentials like affordable homes, good public transport and strong public services; and better social security to give everyone a foundation for the future.