YESSERS organised a regional event marking 10 years since the first independence referendum, filled with “light, friendship, hope and laughter”.
The evening in Dumfries was part of a series of regional events organised by Believe in Scotland (BiS) which all took place at the same time and were displayed live on-screen at the Edinburgh rally.
Ruth Ritchie, from Yes Annandale and Yes Lockerbie, and a regional representative for BiS, said the event was organised partly to watch the live-streamed rally in Edinburgh, “but mostly to enjoy an evening in good company, with fine local entertainment”.
“We brought light, friendship, hope, and laughter into what might otherwise have been a sad evening,” she added.
Those in attendance ranged from their early 20s to “well into retirement”, Ritchie said.
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She added that the turnout “smallish but happy” and was pleased given that it was a midweek event and that many people are falling ill at this time of year.
The event also featured a range of musicians all with a Scottish connection, including a piper and a brand-new community choir making their debut.
‘Independence has been coming for a long time’
Ritchie said that while the event was positive, the Yes movement would now need a bit of rest before “embarking” on the next steps to independence.
“From here, we probably all need a wee rest and a bit of TLC, before we embark on the next steps to securing our independence,” she said.
“We know that an independence movement which moves as a family, will envelop our fellow Scots and carry us all forward from the grassroots up.”
Ritchie added: “Independence has been coming for a long time; it will soon be time for us all to get up and go fetch it home, together.”
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