Policing a major Scottish independence march and a subsequent Unionist protest cost taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds.

Figures revealed through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, seen by the Glasgow Times, shows estimated policing costs for the two events neared at least £60,000 - but the real figure is likely more.

Around 80,000 independence supporters descended on Glasgow demanding Scottish independence on January 11.

The All Under One Banner (AUOB) march began in Kelvingrove Park and processed through the city centre towards Glasgow Green.

Police at one point had to divide the parade from a small Unionist protest as they passed on Argyle Street. 

READ MORE: As it happened: Thousands join pro-Scottish independence march in Glasgow

A rally that was set to take place after the march has been cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

Independence supporters from across the country withstood the wind and rain to gather in Glasgow, despite widespread disruption to train and road networks.

Organisers said 80,000 independence supporters took part, down from the 100,000 figure originally submitted to Glasgow City Council by AUOB ahead of the event.

Police had earlier warned of “significant disruption and temporary road closures” as a result of the march.

Marchers carried saltires, EU flags and Yes banners as they walked through the city to the sound of drummers.

The group also came face-to-face with a pro-Union demonstration, which had gathered at the junction between Argyle Street and Union Street.

A line of officers split the pair and the event seemed to pass peacefully.

Now, some of the official policing costs for the day have been revealed.

Glasgow Times: All Under One Banner independence march on January 11, 2020 All Under One Banner independence march on January 11, 2020

READ MORE: Thousands attend All Under One Banner march for independence in Glasgow

The FOI response reveals: "Some of the cost of policing the two events was £57,124.

"Please note divisional vehicles, public order protected carriers and motorbikes which was utilised has not been costed."

It does, however, add that the costs are calculated on an initial parade notification based on expected numbers of officers needed per parade and are not updated once any intelligence overlay is made.

In comparison, we previously revealed how estimated figures for policing two Irish Republican parades, and the subsequent protests, on September 7 last year was at least £176,000.
Meanwhile four Loyalist marches two weeks later cost at least £26,000. 

It comes after we told on Tuesday that Police Scotland was reportedly preparing to double the number of riot police to deal with protest and marches in the city.

The Scottish Sun revealed that Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor was preparing a new wave of public order officers for its busiest year. 

A source told that paper that the numbers of specially trained riot officers would increase from 1000 to 2400 in the coming months. 

Ms Taylor’s report said: “To address current and potential future challenges, including the policing demands of COP26, work is ongoing to increase public order capability and capacity within Police Scotland.”