Scottish independence: Humza Yousaf to speak at independence march as Succession star Brian Cox pulls out due to Covid test

Around 15,000 people are expected to attend the independence march in Edinburgh

First Minister Humza Yousaf will be among the speakers at an independence rally on Saturday that is expected to attract 15,000 supporters.

The march and rally for an independent Scotland in the EU will take place in Edinburgh city centre.

Organised by Believe in Scotland and Yes for EU, the event will see thousands of supporters marching from Edinburgh Castle, down the Royal Mile to the Scottish Parliament, where a rally will be held.

15,000 people are expected to take part in the independence march and rally. Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images.

Star of the hit TV show Succession Brian Cox had been due to also appear alongside the First Minister to top the bill of speakers at the rally outside Holyrood.

But Cox has cited a positive Covid test for withdrawing from the rally, saying in a statement: “I am absolutely gutted to have to miss the Believe in Scotland rally, which seems to be building into a pivotal moment for the independence movement.”

Other politicians who are due to speak include co-leader of the Scottish Greens Lorna Slater and Independence Minister Jamie Hepburn.

There will be a number of other speakers, including folk singer Iona Fyfe, author Lesley Riddoch, founder of Believe in Scotland Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, Linda Jackson from Scotland in Europe, Claude Detrez from Europe for Scotland, presenter Alistair Heather and columnist Kelly Given.

Actor Brian Cox will speak at the independence rally in Edinburgh. Image: Press Association.

The SNP said: “Mobilising the power of the people is fundamental to advancing the cause of Scotland’s independence.

“We must continue to build support for independence, and we must give the people of Scotland the opportunity to express that support in a democratic vote.

“Independence supporters coming together, at key moments, to show that support is an important part of that journey.

“That’s why we’ll be at the march and rally for independence this Saturday.”

In response to the planned independence march Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: “The senior politicians speaking at this event, including the First Minister, should be honest with those in attendance and the wider public.

“There is absolutely no guarantee of a separate Scotland gaining entry to the EU, and any process for admission would be uncertain, lengthy and involve a number of sacrifices.

“They should also acknowledge that many senior EU figures have cast serious doubt on the chances of success.

“All the while, the SNP would have thrown up significant barriers with the rest of the UK, which is far-and-away our most important and valuable trading partner.

“It’s time for the people’s priorities, not the SNP’s.”