SCOTLAND’S Yes movement has received a massive boost after a major independence fundraiser smashed its target of £100,000 ahead of its deadline.
The Believe in Scotland campaign raced to its goal on Saturday afternoon ahead of its closing date on Sunday at midnight.
As of writing, the campaign has raised £101,101.
More than £50,000 has been raised from public donations since the crowdfunder launched on November 10 with another £50,000 from Business for Scotland, which promised to match the crowdfunded pound for pound.
Believe in Scotland founder Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp said he was "humbled" by the sheer level of donations.
He told The National: "It's a tough time of year to raise money with tough conditions, the cost of living crises and the Supreme Court judgment going against us.
"But I'm humbled by the generosity and it's just in time for the campaigning database system and canvassing system.
"We will be able to help grassroots campaigns professionalise and accelerate to independence in the New Year."
The money is set to support the campaign efforts of 127 local Yes groups from across Scotland and will provide them with messaging, campaign materials and fund-raising opportunities – with access to polling, mobile apps, training and billboards.
Scottish independence groups are also set to receive access to a national network of databases to manage memberships, volunteers and canvassing information.
Believe in Scotland also said the groups are set to gain access to a mobile canvassing app from next year.
He said this will help "professionalize" the movement while giving it more tools to convince No and undecided voters.
MacIntyre-Kemp said the grassroots Yes movement is “vital” to achieving independence.
"That’s why Business for Scotland launched the Believe in Scotland campaign – to support the grassroots," he said.
“All public donations to our Crowdfunder go directly towards supporting grassroots independence campaigning.
"All administrative costs like rent, distribution, wages, and expenses are already met by Business for Scotland donors.”
He continued: “Our track record is well established already. We have delivered through our affiliated Yes Groups and partners more than 2.6m items of campaign material in less than two years.
"No other campaign organisation comes close to our size, professionalism, or reach.”
The group said the money will lay the groundwork for a Yes victory – whichever the route to independence is.
The organisation said it is not connected to any political party and support groups by providing them with campaign messaging, campaign materials, advice and funding-raising opportunities.
The fundraiser is open until Sunday at midnight and can be found here
