Around 6000 independence supporters attended a rally today to further their cause for Scotland to leave the United Kingdom.

Students, couples, teenagers and families with young children were among those attending the event which began around midday in George Square, Glasgow.

The organisers of the Hope Over Fear rally said its aim was to keep the momentum going that had developed in the Yes campaign in the weeks leading up to the referendum on September 18 - which saw Scotland vote by 55 per cent to 45 per cent to say in the Union.

They want to keep the pressure on politicians at Holyrood and Westminster to campaign for greater constitutional change and for social justice.

Compered by the former socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan, speakers included actors Martin Compston, Paul Brannigan and Keira Lucchesi.

As hundreds of Saltire flags were waved, Mr Sheridan, now co-convenor of Solidarity Scotland, rallied the crowd: "Some of you who are old enough will remember the last titanic battle with the British establishment that was taken to the brink - the 1984/5 miners' strike.

"I remember the South Wales miners' marching back to work in March of 1985 with a banner that is applicable to us here today. That banner read: this is the end. The end of the beginning.

"This is the end of the beginning."

Mr Sheridan urged people to become involved in the Hope Over Fear movement, calling for similar rallies to be held in Edinburgh, Dundee, Fife and across Scotland.

Looking out to a sea of Yes banners and placards, River City actress Keira Lucchesi told the crowd: "The (referendum) campaign was really, really positive. We had to keep pushing forward and not looking back.

"But that just meant that the come down was that wee bit harder. But this isn't over, and I know looking at everybody here today that you all feel the same."

Referring to the unionist parties' vow to give Scotland substantial powers after a No vote, Martin Compston said the rally showed Westminster politicians that Scottish people are "not going to be lied to".

"We were promised substantial change, and we demand that substantial change, because 45% wanted complete change and the vast majority of the 55 (percentage who voted No) want something substantial," he said.

"Firstly we are here to achieve that, and secondly, this movement is going nowhere.

"If you look at the numbers, the youth massively wanted independence, we lost it in the older vote, and one day the youth will be the majority."

He added: "I was devastated (with the result of the referendum) but now I have realised this is just the beginning, and I believe one day independence will be achieved."

The organisers wanted the event to be both a family day out as well as a political rally, and many of the youngsters attending with their parents had their face-painted and carried balloons.

Jill Gilmour, 39, from Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, was among those taking part with her son and daughter Archie, five, and Daisy-May, three.

Ms Gilmour said: "I was involved in the Yes campaign in my area and was bitterly disappointed with the result. I came all the way here today because I think it's important to move things forward and see what we can achieve for Scotland."

Stephen O'Neil, 48, a Glasgow-based artist, who was also at the rally with members of his family.

He said that he was disappointed by the referendum result and now worried by the rise of the right-wing and anti-immigration, UK Independence Party (UKIP) as well as a looming war against the Islamic State.

"There are two things that are happening in the UK that Scotland is being dragged into which it has nothing to do with - the upsurge in UKIP and the war on Isis," he said.

"The referendum was Scottish Labour's chance to stand up for Scotland, and they failed to do that."

Hundreds of those attending the rally waved Saltires and banners and many wore kilts.

One banner said: "Don't Blame Me I voted yes" in a nod to some no voters who after the referendum said they wished they had voted in favour of independence.

Scots singer songwriters Gerry Cinnamon and local bands The Stumblers and the Trongate Rum Riots were among those performing.

A Hope Over Fear organiser said: "Yes voters, no voters, non voters and anyone who has an interest in being part of a peaceful day and who would like to hear some ideas about an alternative Scotland."