IN an ideal world, the Yes movement would get equal time to put its case on national television, but instead Yes groups have had to come up with new and innovative ways to tell the positive story of an independent Scotland.

One short film produced by Yes Inverclyde and available on its website is a stunning example of what can be achieved just by letting people tell their stories – in this case the New Scots who have immigrated to this country.

Powerful and factual, New Scot, Auld Scot, A’body’s A Scot is the latest example of Yes Inverclyde’s determination to produce short public information films.

Mark Saunders, one of the individuals behind the Yes Inverclyde organisation, has been producing various types of media platforms to promote Scottish independence within Inverclyde, Scotland and the wider Yes movement.

He explained how the film had its genesis in January when he witnessed just how passionate New Scots are for living in and contributing to Inverclyde life.

Saunders said: “On the day the UK left the EU, hundreds of local residents from all over Inverclyde gathered at the Battery Park in Greenock for a candlelit vigil to mark Brexit Day and to show their opposition to being dragged out of Europe against their will.

“Yes Inverclyde invited people to mark this moment by leaving a light on for Scotland. Not surprisingly, the January weather was atrocious, but even more surprisingly on this wet, windy, dark evening, we were joined by many EU citizens who had chosen Scotland as their home.

He continued: “Yes Inverclyde became increasingly concerned about the fate of those New Scots. Making films by this time had become our tried and tested method of reaching out to others with important messages on social media. Over three years of practice, we got better and better at it and also grasped film’s potential for reaching a wide audience even beyond our own local area.

“So in late February, we decided to produce a film in support of our fellow EU citizens, spelling out how crucial they are to Scotland’s life and economy. To extend our reach, we employ various social media platforms and on one platform New Scots, Auld Scots, A’body’s A Scot received 6000 views overnight. “

Saunders added: “In a world disrupted by Covid, campaigning at doors and streets has become an impossibility. Film and social media is a powerful tool for the Yes movement at this moment in time.

“Making videos, tailored to local concerns or focussing on national issues, is a great way for all Yes groups to use their talents. We would say, give it a go.”

To view it, just go to Yes Inverclyde’s website: www.yesinverclyde.scot/our-new-scots.