MANY Yes groups are keeping going on a “care and maintenance” basis at the moment, waiting for the coronavirus pandemic to be over so that they can start public campaigning for independence again.

Groups like All Under One Banner have had to cancel all their marches this year, and Yes groups who operate hubs such as offices are finding things particularly difficult.

One such group is Yes East Ayrshire who this week have paid tribute to the Scottish Independence Foundation (SIF) for stepping in with a contribution which will enable them reopen their Kilmarnock hub once lockdown ends.

A spokesperson for Yes East Ayrshire explained: “During the current lockdown, as everyone in Scotland adjusts to the abnormal circumstances we find ourselves in, groups campaigning for independence are trying to balance concern for health and wellbeing with the importance of maintaining our organisations, ready to return our cause to the top of the national agenda as soon as we safely can.

“Yes East Ayrshire is no exception to this, and we very much want to be able to re-open our Kilmarnock HQ and get going again. Without our normal activities, however, our finances have suffered, so we are immensely grateful to the Scottish Independence Foundation for providing us with assistance so that we still have our premises when the time comes – a real vote of confidence in our group.

"We are particularly grateful because SIF does not normally fund ongoing expenditure, preferring to support projects like the sign which graces the front of our hub. Their response to the present challenges has yet again proved their worth, and we also look forward to working with them in the future, supporting them as they support the Yes movement.”

It may be many months away yet, but the next full independence referendum campaign will show just how important SIF has bcome.