I saw two forms of Demonstration at the Games - peaceful serene in contrast to noisy agitated - the Referendum YES vote and the Sri Lankan Tamil protest.
The YES vote Demonstration turned up outside the Blytheswood Hotel in an appropriately branded bus complete with YES flags, hoping to attract the eye of the many dignitaries staying at this exclusive luxury 5 star hotel. they even came with their own photographer to capture the act of demonstration - very organised.
The Sri Lankan Tamil protestors were equally well organised. They hijacked the Big G in St George's Square in the centre of Glasgow for at least 15 mins. There was no security to stop them delivering a carefully choreographed demonstration, complete with music, movement and banners.
A member of the public approached me asking "What's going on?" I initially thought the action was part of the show but the hand painted signs were a give way this wasn't official. To my amazement I couldn't find a security officer , in the end had to phone 101 to summon help. The protestors had had their time in the sun it was time to give the Big G back to the people of Glasgow and visitors to the Games.
The Sri Lankan protestors turned up again at the Opening Ceremony this time out side the Media Center at Parkhead, again making sure they were both seen and heard -with flags and loud hailers
The YES vote made its point genteelly while the Sri Lankan protest was much more aggressive but just as well planned & considered.
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