Indy convention could be the spark to unite all of the Yes movement

The National

6 hours ago

I urge the SNP leadership to reconsider this stance and to never compromise on the pursuit of independence, for our country is dying under the weight of external rule.
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History teaches us that great movements for change often falter when they compromise too soon or fail to unite. Consider the ideological revolutions of the 19th and 20th centuries, born in the crucible of economic hardship and class struggle. These movements, though initially fractured by internal debates, found strength in uniting diverse voices under a shared vision of radical transformation. They organised, strategised, and pressed forward, refusing to bow to the pressures of those who sought to maintain the status quo. Their eventual triumphs reshaped nations and societies, proving that unity and resolve can overcome even the most entrenched opposition.
Similarly, the religious reformations of the 16th and 17th centuries, driven by a fervent belief in moral and spiritual renewal, faced fierce resistance from established powers. Yet, through collective action – conventions, assemblies, and unwavering commitment to their cause – reformers united disparate communities and secured lasting change. These movements did not waver in the face of setbacks; they doubled down, rallied their people, and won.
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Scotland stands at a crossroads. Our communities are bleeding – rural depopulation, economic stagnation, and cultural erosion under Westminster's neglect are choking the life from our nation. A constitutional convention could be the spark to unite all strands of the independence movement – SNP, Alba, Liberate Scotland and grassroots campaigners – and lead to a bold, collective push for self-determination. It would signal to the world that Scotland's resolve is unbreakable, that we will not settle for half-measures or defer our dreams to another day.
The SNP leadership must heed the lessons of history: compromise breeds delay, and delay breeds defeat. A convention is not a distraction but a necessity – a platform to galvanise our people, refine our strategy, and present an unassailable case for independence. Scotland is dying, and only through unity and unrelenting commitment can we breathe life back into our nation.
I call on First Minister John Swinney, Angus Robertson, and the SNP hierarchy to reverse this decision. Convene the convention. Unite the movement. Fight for Scotland's future without compromise. Our country deserves nothing less.
Cllr Gordon Murray
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
ANGUS Robertson can say what he likes about independence. That's his entitlement. So far as 'conventions' are concerned, that is anyone and everyone's choice, with or without Robertson's attendance.
It's a wee bit of Robertson arrogance to say that it's the government's job to 'make the case for taking decisions in Scotland for Scotland with independence'. Surely that's why we have SNP conferences, where it is the membership that passes motions on policy, or votes against them as the case may be.
That's not a question, but a statement of intent.
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This is Robertson performing like his counterparts in Westminster, where that parliament doesn't have any written constitution. He is obviously in denial of Scotland's history, and more importantly our Claim of Right.
Just to remind him, if he ever reads this paper: the nation of Scotland has enshrined in its constitution, from the Declaration of the Clergy of 1310 and the Declaration of Arbroath of 1320, to the Claim of Right Act of 1689, the supremacy of the Scottish people over all other authorities of state.
Embodied in the Claim of Right, our constitution provides that we, the people, lend our power to the (Scottish) government to serve the common good and to uphold our rights and interests.
And we may withdraw this loan.
Through the Convention of the Estates, a National Assembly comprised of the communities of Scotland, we may remove any government that fails to serve us or overrules the express will of the people.
(References: the Scottish Liberation movement and Salvo).
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This maybe too historical for Angus Robertson to comprehend, but nevertheless, it remains intact and as valid today as it was in its creation in 1689. Even one or two Westminster MPs are aware of this even though they may choose to ignore it.
There is a petition being placed, at this moment in time, before the United Nations in America, for its considerations concerning whether Scotland is regarded as a 'colony' of the English parliament, and if so, will it recognise Scotland's endeavours for its independence away from this colonial configuration, as with other 'British' colonies over many past years?
Angus Robertson must be aware of this, regardless of whether he considers it valid or not. Quite probably, he is worried about its success and the fact that, if the UN recognises that Scotland is indeed a colony, it will have every right to determine its independence without any intervention from Westminster.
That said, it will put a hell of a lot of pressure on Holyrood to see Scotland's independence established once and for all, and much sooner than expected.
Alan Magnus-Bennett
Fife