AN open letter to Highlands and Islands MP/MSPs (cc FM John Swinney, Stephen Flynn MP) from Yes Highlands & Islands
A POST-General Election discussion was held by Yes Highlands & Islands (YH&I) on Monday, July 8. At this meeting, widespread frustration was expressed at the outcome of the election, especially given the electorate’s steady support at around 50% for reclaiming Scotland’s sovereignty. The Scottish electorate firmly renounced the SNP.
We ask you to heed the words of Jim Sillars: “The SNP no longer stands alone in the independence landscape. But it remains the political wing of the movement, and its electoral successes and failures affects every other part of it, and its success in elections will in the end determine when independence is achieved.”
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No amount of vague promises on independence from the SNP leadership will suffice. The nine MPs at Westminster will have little influence over the accelerated exploitation of Scotland’s vast resources. Holyrood is under threat and must be secured as a matter of urgency.
As we now face the 2026 election, there is no time to waste. Be in no doubt that YH&I expects radical change within the SNP. All political and personal differences must be put aside in order to forge a unified, collaborative and powerful movement that puts country before party.
We expect the SNP to work inclusively with the wider independence movement; to listen, and adopt or adapt the many creative and innovative policy proposals from within the grassroots movement, based on strong evidence, as opposed to the narrow perspective of powerful and partisan lobbyists.
As long-standing Yes campaigners and supporters we call on you to embrace this abundance of work – proposals for strategic steps towards a flourishing Scotland – that has been taking place outwith the SNP.
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Returning sovereignty to Scotland’s people will rely on genuine and transformative localisation of decision-making, as was the strong Scottish tradition long before the Union was forced through against the wishes of the people.
We call for a new commitment to an enhanced democracy, so that the voice of the people of Scotland and of the Gaidhealtachd is not merely heard but included in the governance of our nation.
We call for the development of a powerful strategy and road map that leads up to Holyrood 2026 and, more importantly, to independence.
The Yes movement is essential to the delivery of this message on the ground, just as the leadership of the SNP is crucial to unlocking the democratic and constitutional door. Our desire to see an independent Scotland unites us. We must work together with a real sense of urgency to regain our independence.
In view of the upcoming conference, we look forward to your response to this sincere and urgent communication and remind you that we, your core support, call on the SNP/Scottish Government to deliver the goal of independence in the next parliamentary term.
Yes Highlands and Islands
YH&I Skye member Carole Inglis adds: “We asked for responses before or after conference, and of the eleven letters sent a week ago, we have had four responses from Kate Forbes, Brendan O’Hara, Emma Roddick and Alasdair Allan.
“We have invited Kate to speak at our next meeting in September and are looking forward to the opportunity to constructively discuss the points raised.”
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