Our indy movement is real, permanent and resolute

In his speech at the rally, our First Minister Humza Yousaf stated: “You can’t always control what happens in life but what you can choose is how you react.” His words remind us that the path to independence is fraught with challenges, yet our resolve must remain unshaken.

What’s clear is that the independence movement is not about any single individual, party or government – it is a collective force that has matured and strengthened over the years. Reflecting on our journey, we must recognise the distance we’ve travelled. In the words of George Bernard Shaw: “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

That’s a reminder to all of the importance of being welcoming to change. Our journey towards independence has often been described as a David versus Goliath battle, a small cog trying to dismantle a massive, centuries-old machine. Critics have labelled us “too wee, too poor, and too stupid” but in every corner of Scotland we prove them wrong. In any struggle for self-determination, there may be moments of doubt and frustration. It’s a colossal undertaking to challenge a system that’s been entrenched for centuries.

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But remember, significant changes often start with small, seemingly insignificant actions. Our continued efforts in the grassroots movements, our discussions in local communities and our solidarity at events such as the Believe in Scotland rally are the cogs that can stop the machine.

Alan Petrie, co-convener of the Aberdeen Independence Movement and a member of the Believe in Scotland steering group, is one of my team and when we chatted about the rally he said: “It was a show of defiance in many ways. I think of the song the Welsh sing so passionately that translates into English as ‘despite everything we are still here’.

“Despite the hard times, we come together. When times are tough we don’t hide, we stand up and we work. I joined the SNP at 20 when we had no Parliament and independence support was at 20% in the polls. We have come so far. I remember those older members who chapped doors for independence back then.

“No-one said achieving independence would be easy. I have a chronic pain condition and it’s really hard work some days but for me it’s worth it, this cause we dedicate ourselves to, is a cause that’s time has come.”

Our movement is real, permanent, and resolute. It is built on the hopes and dreams of millions of Scots who believe in a fairer, more prosperous future, a chance to re-imagine and rebuild Scotland on our terms.

In the quest for Scottish independence, every voice matters and understanding our roles within this dynamic is crucial. Two questions come to my mind. The first is: “How can your unique perspective and approach contribute to a more diverse and inclusive campaign for independence, ensuring that we connect and resonate with every corner of our society?”

This question isn’t just about participation, it’s about transformation. Scotland’s strength lies in its diversity and the various voices that echo through our country. Each individual brings a perspective shaped by unique experiences and insights. The diversity of voices ensures that our campaign is not a monologue but a dialogue. It’s a conversation that is vibrant, inclusive and reflective of the society we aim to build. By encouraging every Scot to consider how their unique viewpoint contributes to our cause, we not only broaden our appeal but also deepen our understanding of what independence means to different people.

Whether it’s a fisher in the North Sea, a crofter in the isles, a teacher in Glasgow or a tech entrepreneur in Edinburgh, each has a distinct vision of the potential benefits of an independent Scotland. Their involvement ensures our campaign remains grounded, pragmatic and responsive to the needs and aspirations of all Scots.

The second question is: “What is your part in the collective effort to achieve an independent Scotland?” Independence will not be achieved by one demographic but by all. and each of us must ask ourselves what we can do to contribute.

It’s about more than voting. It’s about advocacy, education and engagement. It’s about speaking to folk, writing about our hopes, participating in forums, and volunteering our skills to create a groundswell of support that can carry us to our goal.

These questions are vital because they emphasise that the push for Scottish independence should be a grassroots endeavour, driven by our diverse society. Our diversity is our strength, a resilience of our collective campaign. We need every individual – from every background and walk of life – to feel included and motivated to participate. This inclusivity extends across all genders, ages, ethnic and racial groups, members of the LGBTQ+ community, various religious groups, disabled groups and social classes.

Each person’s unique approach and contribution can resonate with others, encouraging a wider spectrum of supporters to join the cause. The more varied our campaign, the more it speaks to a broader audience.

These questions can get us to think about the future we are trying to build. An independent Scotland must be a place where everyone feels they have contributed to it and can share in its successes. By asking ourselves how we can contribute to and influence this journey, we commit to being active participants in shaping our nation’s destiny, not just passive observers.

The answers we provide, and the actions we take in response, will determine the strength and the success of our cause. Let us embrace the diversity of our dreams, in a Scotland that is as whole as it is free.