SNP president Michael Russell cut the ribbon on a Yes group’s new campaigning vehicle yesterday, describing it as a “great example” of the grassroots work being done on Scotland’s future.
Members of SNP Islay and Jura raised funds to buy and renovate a horsebox into a portable independence campaigning hub after being unable to settle on a permanent home for a new shop or hub.
The group launched the horsebox yesterday with former MSP Russell and his Argyll and Bute successor Jenni Minto. Russell said the mobile hub is "another great example of branches out there campaigning for independence, and taking the message to where people actually are."
Members plan to take it out for its first trip on September 18, which marks the seventh anniversary of the 2014 independence referendum as well as International Coastal Clean-up Day.
SNP Islay and Jura members will carry out their branch beach clean and hold a barbeque on the day.
Before then though, the group’s vice-convener says they need to find a name for the horsebox. It is currently called the “Michael Russell Mobile Centre for Independence”, but SNP Islay and Jura are happy to take other suggestions on their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram platforms.
The person who contributes the winning name will receive a bottle of Bowmore 12-year-old single malt whisky.
The idea for the horsebox came from seeing the SNP’s success at the May election, said vice-convener Jim Love.
“With our party's record-breaking results, the increased overall indy majority, and the election of our wee branch's former convener, Jenni Minto – we were eager to hit the ground running with campaigning for independence,” he said.
Members were so enthusiastic about the idea that they were oversubscribed for donations. “After we purchased it, our members have been scrubbing, polishing and painting it, ready for the grand unveiling yesterday evening,” he added.
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