The Believe in Scotland march from Parliament Square proceeded down the Royal Mile, up to Regent Road and on to Calton Hill, where the crowd was addressed by Succession actor Brian Cox, First Minister John Swinney and the co-leaders of the Scottish Greens, Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, among others.
Brian Cox told the crowd it was time for Scotland to be “free”. He said: "We've been treated like the poor relation for long enough and it's time we show who we are, who we are as a people.”
Mr Swinney said Scotland was “a country of good values”, but the UK was stopping Scotland’s voice from being heard around the world.
5. Flower power
A sunflower banner among the Saltires spelled out the message "Another Scotland is possible" | PA Photo: Jane Barlow
6. Celebrating Scotland
Organisers said the march was to celebrate Scotland's potential, its culture and its people. | PA Photo: Jane Barlow
7. Saltires in the sun
The many Saltires made a colourful spectacle as the crowd marched down the Royal Mile in the sunshine | TSPL
8. Passing the parliament
John Swinney, with Brian Cox, as the march passes the Scottish Parliament | TSPL