THE Scottish Independence Convention opened in Glasgow with a call from a Scottish Government minister for a fresh perspective from the movement.
More than 800 supporters heard Communities, Social Security and Equalities Secretary Angela Constance say the SIC was an opportunity for them to discuss a new debate for a new Scotland.
In her opening address, she said: “We must not assume that people’s views – whether they were Yes or whether they were No – are the same as they were two years ago.
“Instead, the independence movement – our movement – must engage with a fresh perspective and an open mind.”
Constance said she had believed in independence since she was a child, partly because it seemed to be a “normal state of affairs” for any country, but, she added, there was another reason.
“Thatcher’s Britain was crushing my family and my community. Even in my teenage years as I set out on my journey as an activist for independence, as a member of the SNP, I had some sense, some instinct that it would take a wider movement to win the hearts and minds required for Scotland to become independent.
“It was not until we approached 2014 that we saw the emergence of a real and lasting movement for independence. It looked, it sounded and it felt different. It was an entirely new experience for all of us.”
Ultimately, she said they had fallen short, but lessons had been learned and today was about sharing that resulting wisdom.
Movements needed breadth, depth and diversity to become truly national, said Constance, but they knew there was no shortcut.
“Public opinion and events drive, influence and inform campaigns and we cannot and must not exist in a political bubble if we are to connect with people and their communities.
“But at the same time nothing should stop us from building a new campaign for a new Scotland together, and to make the case for independence at each and every opportunity.
“It’s easy to enjoy the highs together, but let’s ensure that we care for and support each other throughout our journey.”
Constance added that diversity meant there would be differences of opinion, but the strength of the movement was the checks and balances that were built into diversity, which encouraged “truth to be spoken to power”.
“We have to recognise that the Scotland we seek to build has many interests and needs, all of which have to be woven into the fabric of our new nation,” she said.
Constance said the breadth, depth and diversity of the indy movement would also be needed to build the new Scotland they sought.
The transfer of some powers over some benefits from Westminster to Holyrood was the biggest programme of change since devolution and offered a unique insight into the task of building a nation.
“The task before us is how we develop strategies to make a compelling case for independence. In doing so we will be celebrating our diversity and what brings us together in common cause.”
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