INDEPENDENCE groups have taken part in a “day of action” in the Highlands in a bid to connect people with more local issues affecting the independence vote.
Grassroots organisation Believe in Scotland (BiS) has been working with local Yes groups to hold a series of regional campaign days across the country, having previously organised days in Perth, Glasgow, Moffat and Galashiels and Linlithgow.
The sixth regional campaign day took place on Saturday in Inverness, as activists from the InverYESs campaign group worked with BiS to distribute regional pamphlets, display banners and run stalls in the city centre.
Independence campaigners from a wide range of groups, pro-indy parties and non-affiliated individuals turned out, with around 50 activists initially signing up to attend.
Judith Reid, organiser for InverYESs, said the theme for the day was “unity for independence”.
“We achieved that with bagpipes, song, conversations and great enthusiasm,” she said.
“We all worked together, leafleted together, set up and shared stalls together.”
The group started by meeting at the Inverness Yes hub on Huntly Street before setting off for Ness Bridge, where they were led by Alasdair MacMhaoirn, a local Saor Alba Pipes and Drums piper.
One group of activists set off to deliver leaflets around the city, whilst others went to set up stalls for locals and tourists to learn more about the benefits of independence.
“We engaged with the public, including locals, visiting Scots and wider holiday makers,” Reid said.
“Having visual boards with a broad range of local, community, regional, Scotland and UK wide questioning certainly made great topic for open conversations.
“This is how we get a feel of the people living, working and loving our country. Their concerns, views and opinions have to be listened to.”
Campaigners then moved on to hold a “Bridges for Independence” on Friars Bridge, where they set up banners for passersby to see.
Reid said: “This was a first-time experience for many and they were all surprised and impressed by the response and support shown.”
She added that “it is vitally important that Scotland hears, sees and knows resoundingly” that the independence movement “hasn’t given up”.
“We should be working within our communities, our villages, towns and cities, getting the word out that regaining our independence will always be our goal,” Reid continued.
“At present, and for far too long, we find ourselves with three unionist parties within our Parliament, who collectively work on behalf of another country and all with the same goal – to keep us suppressed and tied to that very union.
“If they can hold steady and stoic in their position then we must show them that the independence movement, collectively, is very much alive, resolute and thrawn!”
Kat Woods, joint organiser of the event and secretary of the InverYEss group, added: “It felt like we had stepped back in time to ten years ago, it was truly amazing, let’s hope we can do this again.”
She added that the group had already received requests to set a date for future collaborative campaign days.
The next regional campaign day is set to take place in Hawick.
