THE founder of one of the largest pro-Scottish independence campaign groups has resigned from his leading role after “putting an incredible amount of energy” into the organisation.
Campaigner Neil Mackay founded the All Under One Banner (AUOB) group in 2014 during the Scottish independence referendum in a bid to help amplify the voices of Yes supporters and uniting them.
The non-profit initiative has since held 42 mass demonstrations across the country with countless other protests and meetings since it was launched.
Campaigners for the group aim to inform people in Scotland about the positives of an independent country and champion the need for self-determination by moving governing powers to Holyrood.
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Mackay, who has been a driving force of the group, resigned from the committee on Saturday stating he had put his “blood, sweat and tears” into campaigning for the group.
He added that despite his resignation, which he felt had come at the right time, he would not be a stranger and aims to still play an active part in campaigning for Scotland’s independence.
He also said he plans on writing a book about AUOB and how he has given much of his life to the group over the last decade.
Mackay’s statement said: “Ten years ago today I founded All Under One Banner, and have relentlessly campaigned for the organisation ever since, with 42 mass mobilisations to date, as well as countless demos, protests, meetings and other initiatives which AUOB has held and participated in.
"For the last 10 years (each and every single day) I have incessantly driven the organisation forwards, putting an incredible amount of energy into the campaigning and my blood, sweat and tears, with many life opportunities and situations being sacrificed along the way.
“Yesterday I informed AUOB's national committee that I am now done, that I can no longer give what I have given and wish to draw that chapter of my life to an end so I have the space and time to pursue new projects and reach new horizons. I am incredibly proud of my achievements with AUOB and that I have left the organisation with honour.
“The team members now are excellent, dedicated individuals who will continue the organisation, build the team and achieve continued future success for the cause. I wish to thank them for their comradeship and they know I haven't become a stranger, only that I now want and need my independence.
“Although I am now no longer on AUOB's national committee, I look forward to attending future marches and events, participating and contributing. I will never give up the fight for Scottish independence, and so all that's changing here is the front that I choose to fight on."
Mackay said his "raw" book will detail the "rich background" of AUOB as well as his own story.
He added he now intends to develop himself as a songwriter.
Mackay said: “I wish to thank everyone for their support and understanding, and I am relieved and proud that All Under One Banner will continue, not just into next year but long after that.
"Scotland was in desperate need of its own marching tradition, it's own sustainable street movement, and so I rest assured that all of my efforts (as well as the efforts of other team members) have established AUOB and carved out its place in the Scottish political landscape, establishing a tradition which is held dear in the hearts of the Scottish people, unto independence and beyond.”
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Since Mackay’s announcement that he was stepping down from his role in AUOB many campaigners from the group have expressed their sadness to see him go and have also thanked him for all his hard work.
One person wrote: “I remember those first few months 10 years ago. A massive achievement on so many levels Neil.”
While another said: “That's a monumental achievement Neil. You've a massive heart my darling. I can't wait to read your book.”
A third person added: “Thanks for some of the best times I've had in recent years, whether marching at AUOB marches or riding with the YBFSI at them.”
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