This archive report was first published on 2 November 2019.
On a chilly autumn evening in Glasgow, thousands gathered in George Square to hear Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), call for action in the fight for Scottish independence.
Published on November 2, 2019, Sturgeon's impassioned speech marked the first time she had addressed an independence rally since the 2014 referendum campaign, with a crucial general election looming on December 12.
"Make no mistake, the general election we face now is the most important election for Scotland in our lifetimes," Sturgeon told the crowds, emphasizing that the future of their country was on the line.
Sturgeon's message was clear: Scotland must come out in numbers and vote in this election to seize the prize of independence, which she insisted was within touching distance.
Supporters waved the St Andrews cross emblazoned with the word "Yes" and Catalan flags in solidarity with fellow independence campaigns, while others wore kilts and played bagpipes, including one musician with flames leaping from his instrument.
Despite Scotland voting against independence in 2014 by 55 percent, nationalists argue that the 2016 Brexit referendum, in which Scotland voted to remain in the EU by 62 percent, makes another independence referendum necessary.
A small number of pro-Union protesters carrying Union Jack flags staged a counter-demonstration, but Sturgeon remained resolute, promising supporters that she would lead them to an independence referendum next year.
