IT is fair to say that the question of “should Scotland be an independent country?” has dominated Scottish politics since the start of the independence campaign and beyond.
The statements we hear time and time again are “you’ve had your chance”, “it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”, “why now?”
Well, the facts are that since 2014 we had a Brexit vote which Scotland overwhelmingly rejected (just look at how dismal it’s been), the consequences of Brexit, a Tory cost of living crisis, the pound at an all-time low, inflation at its highest and five Tory prime ministers that Scotland has not voted for.
This should all demonstrate clearly that circumstances have changed since the Brexit campaign – a campaign based on lies.
Everyone has their reasons for supporting or not supporting Scottish independence or being undecided.
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Activists of an independent Scotland need to be out chatting, engaging and listening to those who are undecided and do not support Scottish independence, to understand their fears and reservations.
Chatting among ourselves – fellow independence supporters – is all fair and well, but we do not need to convince each other, we need to work together to encourage those who did not say Yes, to say Yes next time. We need to create a warm, welcoming space where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas of what an independent Scotland would look like.
I agree with many that we need to work together across all parties to do this, but mutual respect and integrity need to come first.
Being a supporter and activist of Scottish independence is something that I cherish and feel grateful for.
READ MORE: National Yes Network: We cannot show splits in the Yes movement
In 2014 I was only 12 but I knew I wanted independence for Scotland. Why would I not?
You would never tell your child or friends to not go after something they have the capabilities to do, or discourage them from being independent, so why don’t we have the same passion and dreams for oor Bonnie Scotland?
Being involved with initially YES Rutherglen, then Blantyre SNP and now the non-partisan umbrella of Believe in Scotland via Yes Hamilton opened me up to a massive family from all political backgrounds.
It gave me the chance to understand and educate myself about Scottish politics – both organisations gave me the space to form my own views and decisions and to find the “fire in my belly” to fight for a cause I still feel so deeply for.
People worry about the NHS, heating their homes, mortgage price increases, food inflation. This is a reality for many people across Scotland and they have a right to be fearful.
The ONLY answer to fixing these problems is by giving Scotland her full democratic powers and allowing the Scottish Parliament to create a Scotland, for Scotland, elected by the people of Scotland.
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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.
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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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