HERE at the Yes DIY Hub, we are charting the steady progress of the movement as it grows across Scotland.
We are always keen to hear from supporters of independence as we move towards the second referendum, and while it is sometimes dismaying to see people falling out about things like the Growth Commission report, we see that as a sign that the movement is a living thing and not scared of debating serious issues.
READ MORE: Yes DIY: Prior events planned in run-up to SNP party conference
In time, the Yes DIY movement will be the core of the campaign for independence once the referendum is announced and as you can read in The National today, there is some extremely good news for activists.
The Scottish Independence Foundation (SIF) may well be a gamechanger in the months to come.
Independence supporters are never slow to put their hands in their pockets to give hard-earned cash for the cause, but now the SIF is giving real support to those who need it and we would encourage all Yes DIY activists to look at what the SIF can do for you and your group.
READ MORE: Massive new indy fund created to support grassroots Yes campaigns
It is also extremely pleasing to note that our work at The National is being appreciated.
We have had missives from the Oban Grassroots group whose Ann Ferguson wrote to say: “Thank you all so very much for all your hard work at The National. I buy The National six days a week. It’s a fantastic newspaper.”
Her colleague Peter added: “I have a wee story for you. We had a family friend staying for a few days.
“He has always been a great supporter of Scottish Independence.
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“As I entered the living room he said to me, ‘Wow! this is great paper.’ Looking puzzled, he said, ‘Is it local?’ He was waving the The National at me.
“I froze speechless, for this is not the first time I have heard this.”
Thanks for that Peter, and if all our readers could be persuaded to take out a subscription or place an order at their local newsagent we would be very happy.
Oban Grassroots told us: “Oban voted well over 60% for independence in 2014 and we had a dynamic Yes community and shop.
“We have had three meetings of our Yes grassroots group so far. Once we get the green light from Nicola there will be a very rapid surge in Scottish independence activity in Oban.”
The group have also given us advance notice of what looks like a most worthwhile exercise next month. On Saturday, July 7, at the Rockfield Centre, Oban Grassroots will host a discussion on a topic that will be very important come the next referendum – “Immigration, the impact of Brexit and another way possible”.
The group would particularly like to hear from EU citizens, pointing out that the Brexit referendum result has had particularly bad effects on them. They say to immigrants: “We want to know how you imagine your future.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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