THE SNP will launch a £100,000 campaign to win "hearts and minds" over to Scottish independence, The National can reveal.
The party's National Executive Committee (NEC) agreed on Saturday to proposals from CEO Callum McCaig for a major digital and doorstep project to build up the movement's momentum following Monday's historic Celtic Alliance meeting.
The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland came together to sign a declaration demanding that each devolved government be given the rights to hold votes on their own future. Under the current constitutional set-up, votes could not be held without Westminster first granting permission.
The major cash commitment from the SNP comes amid a row over how independence will be discussed at the party's upcoming conference, as members seek to capitalise on recent wins.
There have been calls for more action in the wake of Scotland electing its largest ever pro-independence majority in the Parliament, and Andy Burnham stating that Scotland should have the same path to a referendum as Northern Ireland – something he later walked back.
An SNP source told The National: "John Swinney is looking to build momentum on independence, following the SNP's landslide in May and Andy Burnham's admission that when a majority back independence, we will get a referendum.
"This will be a major doorstep and digital campaign, and it will include the party's largest ever digital ad buy outside of an election campaign."
"Last week's Cardiff Agreement got people talking about Scottish independence again and this campaign will keep them talking."
Meanwhile Keith Brown, the SNP's depute leader, said the £100,000 spend agreed by the NEC was part of a "war chest" to drive forward the campaign.
He went on: “That money comes after our historic meeting in Wales last week which made one thing very clear – the age of Westminster is coming to an end.
“There a record number of pro-independence MSPs in Holyrood and three of the four nations on these islands are led by pro-independence first ministers.
"It is not sustainable for Westminster to veto democracy and on Tuesday, MSPs from across the chamber can back Scotland's right to decide – that is a basic principle which we should all agree.
"Through a fresh start with independence, we can build a wealthier and fairer Scotland back in the EU – the SNP are the only party that will do everything within our power to give the Scottish people a choice over that future."
Further details on the £100,000 fund are expected in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile this week, First Minister John Swinney will call on every MSP at Holyrood to back Scotland’s “right to decide” its own future.
The First Minister will ask the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday to endorse a motion stating “that the Parliament agrees that Scotland is a nation that has a right to decide its own future”.
