A SCOTTISH independence campaign group has elected new co-conveners to encourage more co-operation among pro-independence political parties and campaigners.
Former SNP MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk Martyn Day and Glasgow City councillor Roza Salih were appointed by members of the Scottish Independence Convention (SIC) last week at the group's annual general meeting.
Co-conveners Isobel Lindsay and Greg McMarra stood down after three years leading the organisation.
Both Day and Salih started their political activism in their teens and now hope to encourage more new initiatives for the group going forward.
Day lost his seat at the General Election in July after being an MP since 2015 and Salih made history as Scotland’s first-ever refugee councillor, representing the Greater Pollok ward.
Day said: “This isn't an easy time for independence supporters which is a strong reason for trying to create constructive co-operation among the independence-supporting parties and campaign groups.
"I think we've got to be realistic of who we are as a as a wider movement and and we definitely need some sort of catalyst to bring people back together and get momentum going.
"There's a role for for us to play here where events are cross-party and non-party, and hopefully stem the fragmentation of the the independence movement and get folk, not all working away collegiately, but at least co-operating and doing what they can together."
He added: "I think a lot of people sit around waiting for some messiah to lead them to victory, and there isn't a Messiah, it's just us, the rank and file, the ordinary person on the street, we are it.
"The sooner more people recognise that and we just start putting our shoulder to the wheel and pushing in the same direction, the better.
"That doesn't mean they all say the same things. They just have to be mindful of differences and diversity which can be a strength."
Salih added the the independence cause must be brought forward "together", across parties and the grassroots movement.
She said: “The case for independence is stronger than ever and it is good that we have not lost public support for an independent Scottish state but we have to try to understand why it has not increased."
