SCOTLAND’S leading pro-Yes think tank has announced it is publishing a book which will outline their case for fundamental change in the first decade of independence.
Common Weal has said it is set to publish Sorted: A Handbook for a Better Scotland in time for Christmas.
The book, written collaboratively by the left-wing think tank’s staff, paints a picture of what Scotland could look like with the full powers of independence.
At 19 chapters and more than 300 pages, the book will dig into issues such as designing an industrial strategy for Scotland, tackling poverty, combating climate change and rising wages, Common Weal said.
It was funded by donations through a crowdfunding push, with more than 130 generous supporters pledging £5500 towards the book.
The think tank has now increased the amount of money it is hoping to raise with a new funding target of £9500, which they said would allow them to double the print run.
It was also bolstered with a grant from the Scottish Independence Foundation, an organisation which helps Yes groups and others in the movement raise cash to support their activities.
It comes after the launch of the Scottish Government’s independence papers this year, more of which are due to be published in the coming months.
They have been criticised by some in the independence movement for failing to answer some key questions on Scotland’s future – including when Scotland would be able to join the EU and set up its own currency after sharing the pound with rUK.
Robin McAlpine, Common Weal’s head of strategic development, described the Scottish Government’s paper on economic policy post-independence as “utter pish”.
Common Weal executive director Amanda Burgaue said: “We are genuinely astonished at the support for this crowdfunding campaign, and the interest in the book.
“While we know crowdfunding has played a big part in the Scottish independence movement over the years, it’s not something that Common Weal has used before.
“As an organisation we rely on small donations from many individuals to fund our policy development work.
“I guess it’s quite a low-key approach to fundraising, but it’s worked well for us over the years and has ensured that Common Weal engages with and responds meaningfully to those who support it.
“In recent years the ask from our members has been for a comprehensive vision for what an independent Scotland could be like, an outline of what could be possible.
“The idea behind the book was to bring together a decade of policy development work to create that comprehensive vision.
“Ultimately, it’s a book of hope. Hope about the potential to do things differently in an independent Scotland.”
The book was illustrated by artists Charity May and Lauren Boyle.
Dr Craig Dalzell, head of policy and research at Common Weal, said: “Over the last ten years, Common Weal has created the most wonderful body of policy work.
“We are a small think tank, but we have been so influential in developing ideas and policy recommendations, many of which have been adopted and implemented.
“When we set out this year to create this book - a distillation of those last ten years of work, and a vision for the next 10 years of an independent Scotland - we could never have imagined that people would have supported in with such enthusiasm.
“Thank you to everyone who supports our work, those who support Common Weal through regular donations, as well as those who have backed the publication of this book.
“We look forward to helping to co-create a hopeful vision for a Scotland in which all of us come first.”
Sorted: A Handbook for a Better Scotland will be published next months, with pre-ordered books to be delivered to those who have backed the fundraiser by December 20.
