We are Vive Ecosse – our mission is to help crowdplatform the contributors to Scotland’s future.
It is good to be here today talking about Independence.
This is normal. This is what normal nations do.
They talk about how about their future, their hopes and their dreams.
What is not normal is the pantomime we see down south.
Kings, Queens, and palaces made of gold – when poverty and precariousness scars our daily lives across society.
There is a proud history in Glasgow of standing up to those who stand averse the values we hold dear.
When we talk of empires and injustice we do not need to look far to see the rebellion of thought in our people who call this place home.
This week we celebrated ‘May the 4th’ be with you, a celebration of the rebel cause in Star Wars.
It gives a moment to think back to Scotland’s last national conversation, and chuckle.
In 2014 the great train was sent north with the members of UK parliament – who were welcomed by the famous rickshaw.
“Bow down to your imperial masters – the empire has arrived” he bellowed.
It was hilarious then and it’s still hilarious now.
So much so – we brought our lightsabers just in case!
The point is this though.
While the UK powers on with a failed Brexit, failed economic argument, and a failed outlook for the future.
We must look to the one aspirational light in the sky. The light of independence.
Independence is now the safe choice.
Independence is the only choice that will economically and financially improve our country.
Independence is the only solution to the societal problems we face.
It was said in 2014 when Alex Salmond stood down, that was the end, support would fall.
It was said in 2022 when the Supreme Court case was lost, that was the end, support would fall.
It was said in 2023 when Nicola Sturgeon stood down, that was the end, support would fall.
And yet here we are today.
And support has not fallen.
The answer never was and never will be – politicians.
The answer has always been the people.
The problem we face now is that we need to focus.
We need to build forward, ahead of the politicians and tell them to follow us.
The days of arguing on social media are over.
The days of what hat are you wearing and what club are you in are done.
Everyone is a contributor on this journey.
Everyone must advance the case.
Take the time you have, take the time you can.
Focus on a topic you feel passionate about.
Do the research, then write a document.
Take that document and share it. Everyone must share their work.
Elevate ourselves from saying “oh but thats rubbish” and improve it or write something better.
Ask your friends their fears and concerns. Ask them to tell you why they aren’tyet convinced to YES.
Then help build the documents and the arguments that solve that problem.
We have no opposition – we have a boundless future to write.
Every time the unionists point out a flaw, or a concern, or a soundbite – they do us a favour.
It gives us the opportunity to improve the plan. To make the ship watertight.
We need to embrace our critical friends.
We need to have a wider door and a longer table.
We need to build the prospectus together.
None of this needs massive organisations, none of this needs political parties, none of this needs any guidance from those in power.
The truth is the People are who the Politicians fear.
The people are where the ideas are born.
The people are who dream.
The people are who make the demands.
So today – invite the politicians to follow you.
Support and celebrate those who go home and start writing.
Iterate and build on ideas. Improve them with the power of your contribution.
The ideas of tomorrow will be written today.
The future is not yet written, it’s always been in our hands, so pic up your pen, keyboard or mic.
Take control. Make a stand. Write your own future.
The first words spoken after the French Revolution were Vive La France, may our first words of a Scottish Independent Nation be Vive L’Ecosse!
Those who dare to dream, plan and deliver a better future are as one.
We are dauntless, brave, and loyal, – valiant to the end.
If you come here a stranger, you will exit as a friend.
