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Two pro-independence marches are planned to take place on the same day using a similar route but going in opposite directions, sparking fears of major disruption in Edinburgh.

All Under One Banner (AUOB) will be holding a major march through the city on October 5, where thousands of people are expected to walk from Holyrood Park to The Meadows.

However, a report going before Edinburgh city councillors says another organisation with a similar name is planning a march on the same day.

The confusing situation has apparently arisen as a result of AUOB organiser Mandeep Singh's expulsion from the organisation.

AUOB says he has become "bitter and obsessed" and has planned the second march as a result of the split.

The second march would be going in the opposite direction and would travel down Princes Street, meaning traffic would have to be diverted and the trams shut down.

This has caused concern about disruption and council officials have recommended either prohibiting Singh's procession or directing it along a different route.

'Risk to public safety'

The report says: "The planned events will take place at the same time and location, although the route proposed in this application is the opposite direction to the route approved on 19 August 2019.

"It is not possible to facilitate two parades at the same time and location without significant risk to public safety and excessive disruption to the life of the community and traffic infrastructure."

It adds: "Given the nature of the proposed event which coincides with a similar event which has already been considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee the organiser was invited to participate in the EPOG, however they have not engaged with officers."

AUOB told Edinburgh Live the second march was unlikely to attract much support.

'Laughing stock of the independence movement'

They said: "The council and police are aware of him and monitoring the situation, as what he has planned is not getting any permission.

"The ex-member is now the laughing stock of the independence movement due to all of this and no one will march for him."

A Facebook event for the second march lists it as being organised by the "Scottish Independence Movement" - though more than one organisation has this name.

The event description is critical of AUOB and defends their decision to hold an alternative procession, saying: "The team didn't come to this decision easy we know this may split the movement.

"But we also know the Scottish independence movement is bigger than any organisation individual or party."

They say they won't take part in any march which involves Neil Mackay, a founder of AUOB who has faced claims of financial impropriety.

Edinburgh city council's licensing sub-committee will consider the report next week.

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