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A transformation has taken place in the Scottish landscape.

St. Andrew's Cross, historically adopted by supporters of Scottish independence, has now been unfurled for a separate purpose.

Throughout the nation, the blue and white of St Andrew is waving from streetlights and being displayed with the Union Jack at demonstrations against immigration.

Previously those two symbols were typically observed on different sides of the conversation over Scotland's future.

Presently the display of the saltire is sparking disagreement of its own at protests from Aberdeen to Perth and from Falkirk to Glasgow.

Competing Nationalisms

This battle for the saltire is additionally a struggle concerning what it means to be a patriot in today's Scotland - a battle of opposing patriotisms.

Prominent Voices

A leading figure is a central personality in these current demonstrations.

He blends objection to separation and immigration with sharp criticism of the SNP.

They seized the saltire as their own and for over a decade we've allowed them to use it as a instrument of conflict and hostility.

Counter-Protests

The crowd - kept apart from hundreds of counter-protesters by a cordoning of police - supported the condemnation of the SNP.

The party has caused damage on our nation, weakening our economy and our capabilities at every turn.

Immigration Issues

Immigration is a thorn in the side for the current Prime Minister and appears to be rising up the priority list ahead of the Scottish government elections.

The channel crossing issue and the sheltering of migrants in emergency housing have fuelled demonstrations around the Britain.

Regional Opinions

A demonstrator, who called himself Mark, held a British flag showing "Stop the Boats".

He stated politicians should be fixing failing government services, not using public funds on medical and dental care for refugees.

Alternative Perspectives

At the temporary housing a collection of opposing demonstrators, including several labor representatives, had assembled.

Additionally they were disapproving of the prime minister – but for different reasons.

Economic Concerns

Both sides appear to share a sense of disgust about the nation's weak finances and the bad condition of government services.

The true concern in our society is the people in government who aren't tackling these challenges directly.

Accommodation Shortage

An ongoing concern among protesters is about the number of migrants being housed at local authority expense.

The issue is most acute in the western city, which has the Britain's largest quantity of asylum seekers in public housing.

Representative Significance

An asylum seeker, a refugee who lives in north Glasgow, thinks the St. Andrew's Cross generally signifies calm, agreement and integration.

However he claims it is currently being displayed "by right-wing groups and discrimination".

Community Impact

Debates about flags are not only occurring in large Scottish municipalities and blue-collar areas.

In the wealthy Renfrewshire village of the Bridge community, the displaying of saltires has created conflict on the local Facebook group.

Government Consequences

The government head the First Minister said discussions regarding border control were being "fueled by a broader discussion" going on in the Britain and internationally.

I believe in a Scotland that is tolerant, welcoming and inclusive.

Political Future

Polls ahead of May's Holyrood election show a big lead for the Scottish National Party.

Regardless of which flags are shown by any political organization in the election campaign, border control looks set to assume its position alongside the economy and public services as a major concern.