INDEPENDENCE supporters in the north-east are to hold a significant event in Aberdeen to re-establish a collective strategy for the movement in the region.
Forward, Building a North East Plan For Independence, organised as a joint conference between Aberdeen Independence Movement and Dundee and Angus Independence Group, will take place at the Park Inn in the granite city.
Headlined by depute SNP leader, Keith Brown, the event will be opened by former Conservative Councillor Ashley Graczyk, who will outline her journey from Unionist to independence supporter and engage the conference on the issue of how best to communicate a different view to No voters.
The event, very much focused on local activists exchanging ideas on how to re-energise campaigning ahead of a second referendum, will address opening the movement up to new people.
It will also include workshops focused on improving communication strategies, inclusion, producing graphics and a panel discussion to allow delegates to share experiences.
In addition to this, co-convenor of the Scottish Green Party, Maggie Chapman, will host a workshop on the importance of localism to campaigning, and Heriot Watt university’s associate professor in marketing, Professor Ian Black, will outline his research on voter attitudes.
The north-east, the area in which the SNP suffered their heaviest losses of the 2017 General Election, will also form a primary strand of discussions. The conference will examine what sets the north-east apart from the rest of Scotland and how campaign strategy should differ.
Another agenda item will see the conference consider the innovative projects which could positively transform the early years of an independent Scotland. The Dundee Independence Youth Group will feature and discuss how independence could benefit the lives and prospects of young people, with Aberdeen Students for Independence discussing ways in which Scotland could attract and retain talent following a successful independence referendum.
With Brown’s speech set to close the event, Forward have also organised a post-conference party. Tickets are still on sale via Eventbrite with discounted tickets already sold out.
Conference co-coordinator Alan Petrie said: “This event is an opportunity for independence supporters to come together and share our ideas and experiences going forward. We have a fantastic line up of speakers and workshops who will give a view from many sides of the independence argument.
“There is still lots to do, but whenever the time for another referendum comes, we will be ready to campaign and win.”
MSP for Aberdeenshire East, Gillian Martin, who will attend the conference, said: “As the UK’s departure from the EU looms, and with Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire predicted to be amongst the severest economic casualties of that decision, it’s extremely encouraging to see the message of independence reaching those who are changing their minds since 2014.
“The Tories are deeply divided and on the brink of implosion, and Labour, incredibly, seem incapable of providing any effective opposition. It’s now clearer than ever that Westminster is simply not working for us. The SNP and independence movement have our sights set on a far more positive future with the people of Scotland firmly in the driving seat.”
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