IN today's media landscape, having a diverse range of voices and perspectives is more important than ever. Over the past 10 years, The National has been a crucial part of that diversity in Scotland. From its first day, it set out to be more than just another newspaper; it sought to provide a platform for conversations that weren’t happening elsewhere, and to ensure that voices advocating for a fairer, more progressive Scotland could be heard loud and clear.
For me, being a columnist at The National has meant contributing to a space where different viewpoints can coexist, challenge each other, and ultimately drive the national conversation forward. In an era where media monopolies too often dominate the narrative, having a publication that pushes for Scotland’s independence, while also addressing broader issues like social justice, equality, and human rights, has never felt more necessary.
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The beauty of a free and diverse press is that it makes us reflect, question, and grow. The National has never shied away from uncomfortable truths or from providing a platform for marginalised voices.
Subscribing to The National is about making sure we’re having the conversations we need to have to build a more inclusive and fairer society. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, your support is what will ensure we can keep pushing the debate forward for the next 10 years—and beyond.
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Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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