AS we usher in 2024, a significant year marking a decade since the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, it’s a poignant time for reflection but also to be forward thinking.
A time to consider where we’ve been, where we stand, and where we, as Scotland, could be headed.
As I recall my journey into the Yes movement, it began with a mix of frustration and determination, fuelled by the Scottish referendum buzz in 2014.
Social media was filled with Scottish political activism and loads of profiles advocating for independence were growing thousands of followers by the day.
My own foray into this digital arena was somewhat accidental yet deeply personal. I remember watching a TV advert that patronisingly suggested we should simply eat our cereal and steer clear of the complexities of Scottish politics. This condescending message struck a nerve, propelling me to create a response video that unexpectedly went viral.
In my video, I emphasised the importance of involvement for people like me, a stay-at-home mum at the time.
I argued that we, who manage the daily realities of local infrastructure, education, and healthcare within our families, were already inherently immersed in politics.
To underline my point, I unashamedly showed my towering pile of laundry, a symbol of a normal busy household where everyday stuff happened. My message was simple yet powerful – Scottish politics is not just for the elites or the politically savvy – it’s for every one of us, especially those in the heart of family households.
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We, Scotland stood at a crossroads, contemplating a future sculpted by our own hands. The referendum wasn’t just about political sovereignty, it was about hope, potential, and the promise of a Scotland tailored to the needs and aspirations of its people.
Yet, here we are, 10 years on, still grappling with decisions made hundreds of miles away in Westminster – decisions that often feel out of touch with the Scottish heartbeat.
Brexit is a prime example of this disconnect.
Scotland’s overwhelming vote to remain in the EU was overshadowed by a UK-wide decision to leave, thrusting us into uncharted waters.
The fallout from Brexit has been far-reaching, affecting everything from trade to travel, with tangible impacts felt in our communities. It prompts the question – how different could things have been for an independent Scotland, a nation still aligned with European values and markets?
Fast forward to the present, and we’re on the cusp of another General Election, facing a choice between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer. Both choices do not inspire confidence or resonate with our values.
Neither has a political route which has any Scottish focus, and politics aside we have Rishi – who admitted to never having had any working-class friends – or Keir, who is inspired by Margaret Thatcher. That alone tells us all we need to know. Utterly depressing choices.
Far from those choices, the independence movement that captivated many of us wasn’t driven by grievances or divisiveness. It was, and remains, a movement fuelled by positivity and hope. A vision of a Scotland where decisions are made not in the corridors of Westminster but closer to home, where they directly impact our lives.
It’s about building a future where our children and grandchildren can thrive in a society that reflects their values and priorities. Giving them the power to do so. Our legacy to our future posterity.
Looking ahead
As we look forward to the rest of 2024, let’s focus on rekindling the spirit of that movement. Let’s engage in conversations not with bitterness but with the intent to listen, understand, and share.
Our aim isn’t to blame anyone but to highlight a path that could lead Scotland to a better, more prosperous future. Divide and rule is an age-old tactic, one which I hope to see exposed, confronted, and wholeheartedly resisted.
I feel like we find ourselves at another crossroads, much like in 2014, but with the wisdom of experience and the clarity of hindsight. The upcoming General Election is more than just a political contest, it’s a chance to reflect on what kind of Scotland we want to be a part of.
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Do we continue within the confines of a union that often seems out of sync with our collective will, or do we dare to dream of a Scotland that stands on its own, making decisions that are right for its people?
Do we go in cycles of giving chances to those who haven’t had power for a while, holding out hope to be disappointed, or do we refine, support, and push forward with more vigour and a determination to see this out.
I hope for Scotland’s sake voters resist the Unionist promises.
Now, as an MSP, my journey from a concerned mother to a political representative stands as a testament to the transformative power of belief and action. I saw you all, all of you activists making yourself known and getting out there, and you inspired me.
I felt carried along in a flow of optimistic visions for our future.
Our resolve for independence must be stronger now more than ever. It’s not just about regaining the enthusiasm we had, it’s about channelling our collective energies towards a renewed enthusiasm for the cause.
We must inspire and motivate people from all walks of life to recognise the crucial role they play in shaping the future of Scotland. Our message should be clear: Your voice matters, your actions count, and together, we can work towards a future where Scotland’s destiny is in its own hands.
We’ve seen the consequences of apathy and division, and the risks of leaving our fate in the hands of others. Surely now is the time to rekindle the spirit of 2014, to unite under the banner of hope and self-determination, and to fight for an independent Scotland where our dreams and aspirations can be fully realised.
It’s a journey that goes beyond political parties, let’s turn our collective passion into a civic driving force for independence.
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