It is a Beautiful Thing

Published 13 November 2024

What is the value of loyalty if it doesn’t serve the people you seek to free?

I am an activist for Scottish independence, committed not to any single party or ideology but to the very idea of a free, self-governing Scotland. My role is clear: to lead by example, to attend as many rallies and marches as possible, to write every blog, to create every meme and video, and to keep the national conversation alive. Political loyalties can both strengthen and fracture our cause. I've found that the digital battlefield unconstrained by any one party’s line is where we have our best chance to unite. Independence will not come through politics alone, but through a united, grassroots movement that cannot be silenced.

The heart of my activism is simple: I am a Scot who wants Scotland to make its own decisions. I want our people to have ownership of our successes and responsibility for our mistakes. I want to see the wealth of this nation benefit our communities, not be syphoned off to support an increasingly corrupt Westminster system. And so, when I approach each situation in my activism, I ask myself what it requires. Sometimes, I need to take a more passive, pragmatic approach, allowing space for reason and diplomacy. Other times, assertiveness is required, firm, unapologetic, direct action to make our message clear.

Predictability is the enemy of impactful activism; in this cause, one must adapt, anticipate, and sometimes provoke, even if that means challenging those within our own movement.

This brings me to my frustrations with the current state of our movement. I see a lack of unity, fractures along political lines, and a troubling habit of prioritising irrelevant factors that distract us from our goal. The political factions that claim to support independence often find themselves at odds over party agendas, overlooking the bigger picture. In Holyrood, fierce debate among the parties is necessary; it’s how we refine policies and grow as a nation. But outside of holyrood, the political entities should be working together to build a unified, pro-independence front. In 2026, we must deliver not just a Scottish government but a Scottish opposition with loyalty to the people rather than partisan divisions. This is something that is heavily debated on social media challenging our own people to see past party loyalties, but often even these efforts are viewed through a narrow, divisive lens.

To me, politics is a tool. I carry an SNP membership card, but I am no party zealot. The SNP is simply the vehicle that demonstrates we can govern responsibly, with more integrity than Westminster. Yet, it’s a mistake to believe that politics alone will bring us independence. Politics offers a legal path, yes, but independence itself will only be realised if enough Scots truly desire it. Self-determination goes beyond the ballot box it’s about cultural identity, national pride, and the courage to take control of our own destiny. Politics is just one of three pillars needed to support independence, along with international advocacy and grassroots mobilisation.

When I face criticism from others in the movement, I am resolute in my belief that we need a single, dominant banner of independence. Our cause should not be splintered by partisan lines. Independence requires a coalition of efforts: an international pillar that reaches out to the global community, informing them of our rightful claim to self-determination; a political pillar where government and opposition push the boundaries of devolution in Holyrood but stand shoulder to shoulder outside it; and a grassroots pillar, where activists like myself walk the streets, attend rallies, and engage in the one thing Westminster fears most a national conversation about independence.

This grounding in unity, in the vision of a Scotland wholly self-reliant and prosperous, keeps me focused. My ultimate goal is not just a vote for independence but a Scotland where our wealth, resources, and government are accountable to us alone. A Scotland where decisions are made by those who live here, for those who live here. And so, no matter the obstacles, my commitment never falters. Every setback is a reminder of what we’re up against, but also of why we must keep fighting.

In my activism today, I feel a profound freedom. I’m not constrained by party rules, political rhetoric, opinions and finger pointing or the often hollow promises of career politicians. I can criticise the structures that limit us, challenge the Westminster government that holds us back, and call out the divisions within our own movement without fear of political or social repercussion. I wish more people would see the value in this way of fighting for independence. By stepping beyond partisan alignments that we ourselves create. We gain true power to change minds, to build a movement that can’t be neatly categorised or dismissed.

In my vision, an independent Scotland is a place where our culture and values shine on the world stage. We would be a friend to all and an enemy to none, leading in renewable energy and delivering high-quality public services funded by our own resources. This is a Scotland that looks after its own, where natural wealth supports the common good, and where every citizen feels the benefits of independence. It’s a vision not just of separation from Westminster but of a Scotland that stands proudly as itself.

To younger activists, I say: make your presence known. Attend marches and rallies, but also find your voice online and join the national conversation. Don’t let yourself be bound by the narrow interests of political factions or held back by the belief that only politicians can shape our future. Love life, love your country, and fight for its freedom with every ounce of your strength. This cause requires voices, ideas, and passions from every corner of Scotland. Independence is not a gift to be granted by politicians; it is a right that we, the people of Scotland, must claim.

Our loyalty should be to Scotland itself, not to any single political party. Let us come together, not as factions but as a unified movement. The path to independence isn’t straight or easy, and it’s not something that will be delivered by politics alone. But together, we can realise a future where Scotland is free to govern itself and chart its own course.