Thousands of people are expected to descend on Edinburgh on Saturday for a pro-independence march and rally.
Event organisers claim it will be the largest gathering in a generation of supporters for an independent Scotland, with people expected to arrive from all over the country and abroad.
The event is the first of three to take place in Edinburgh each September until the referendum in 2014.
Groups expected to attend on Saturday include Young Scots for Independence, SNP Trade Unionists Group, Labour for Independence, Federation of Student Nationalists, Society of William Wallace, Citizens United Against Public Service Cuts, Crann Tara, the Vlaamse VolksbewegingVVB (Flemish popular movement), Scottish Independence Convention, Women for Independence, Highlands Socialist Alliance, European Partnership for Independence, and Scottish Democratic Alliance.
Confirmed speakers include Alex Salmond, former Labour MP Dennis Canavan, Green leader Patrick Harvie, Independent MSP Margo MacDonald, broadcaster and mountaineer Cameron McNeish, human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar, and writer Alan Bissett.
Performers will include Dougie MacLean, Sheena Wellington, Clanadonia, Ted Christopher, The Trybe, Annette Chapman, The Real Dublinerz, The Wakes, Gleadhraich and Andy Chung.
The assembly begins at the Meadows from 11am, with a midday march down to Princes Street Gardens. The rally there starts at 1pm and is expected to run until around 4pm.
Road closures will include Lauriston Place and Potterrow between 11.45am and 1pm, while North Bank Street and the Mound will have tight coning to separate the marchers from traffic.
Traffic will be able to travel south on the Mound and George IV Bridge, Market Street will be closed to westbound road users, and traffic will only be able to exit Chambers Street southbound.
Last week, event organisers removed the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement from their website following criticism that the group, who routinely burn the Union flag, would be present at the rally.
The movement’s Donald Anderson said members still planned to attend. "We do not have any intention of burning flags at the Edinburgh rally. We will be there as individuals carrying Saltires, despite Unionist objections to our national flag."
A Lothian and Borders Police spokeswoman said: “We’re not anticipating any issues as regards public safety as the rally will be stewarded and policed appropriately and proportionately.”
HeraldScotland will have a special report on the march and rally on Saturday afternoon
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