THE Yes movement took a “significant step forward” as activists gathered in Golspie for Manniefest.
Dedicated Yessers from across Scotland made the journey to the pro-independence event in the shadow of the Duke of Sutherland statue, nicknamed the Mannie, and erected for a man who sponsored clearances in the Highlands.
The three-day event kicked off on Friday, but yesterday marked the climax, with speeches given and connections made in the shadow of the infamous landmark.
Organisers hailed the great turnout.
It brought together Yes groups from across the Highlands and Islands and featured a number of notable speakers and performances.
Manniefest co-organiser Lorraine Carson (below) said: “People have come from all over the country – Hebrides, Orkney, Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“It’s just good to get everyone together in the Highlands – it’s been a long time with Covid and everything and we’ve not really been able to get together.
“It gives folk a chance to get away from all the jubilee stuff and make some new connections about independence.”
Lesley Riddoch was among the speakers, and also edited a 16-page Manniefest supplement that appeared in Saturday’s edition of The National.
Riddoch said: “There may be a small crowd here today but this event is deeply symbolic, in the same way there is only one statue on the summit of Ben Bhraggie and yet it casts a feudal shadow across the whole of the Highlands.
“I’m delighted to have been involved with a public event openly challenging the legacy of the landed aristocracy here on the north-east coast of Scotland where it’s been all too easy to say nothing and keep your head down – for a century.
“Well done Mary and Ian Sinclair, Iain Bruce, Lorraine Carson and Yes Highlands and Islands for organising this long overdue stand.”
George Gunn was another of the featured named at Manniefest, and similarly praised its potential impact.
He said: “The Gordons and the Duke have the past – we will have a future. Let us make it our country.
“I think the symbolism of having our independence rally in Golspie is beyond my wildest imaginings because this is the most douce town.
“Some of them actually like the Mannie, so to have a rally here which features the statue as a symbol of oppression to me is a step forward.
“We take steps forward as an independence movement and post Covid I think Manniefest is a significant step forward.”
Manniefest will conclude today with music in MacGregor’s at The Ben, Golspie.
If you missed Saturday’s special Manniefest edition setting out a vision for the Highlands and Islands after independence, keep your eyes on The National’s pages for more information about how to catch up.
