An election is a funny thing, be that a general, local or leadership election. They are all a lot of work, a lot of action and a lot of time.
It weighs heaviest on those who take part as volunteers. You see the volunteers are not paid. They have no real skin in the game other than the love for the activity they’re partaking in. These people sacrifice many many hours of personal and home life in the pursuit of a dream that is bigger than they are, in the pursuit of a country that is better, and more in line with the vision they have for the future.
However, it does not come without a cost. It does need to be said that the volunteers of any election do so with great personal sacrifice. The sacrifice of time, effort and missed opportunities from those special moments that you enjoy, just by being around people you love.
It is with that note, that we mention this blog has taken some personal time from some of the core contributors, following the SNP leadership election.
It is also the case that Scottish politics has been such a rollercoaster in the last little while it has been difficult to stay up-to-date and up-to-the-minute, leaving us unable to provide a contribution that meets the high bar we set.
We do live in exciting times and politics does move at high speed. However, it is now time the story continues and our contributions once again increase, we begin looking at the next chapters of what will be – the delivery of Scottish independence.
Thank you ever so much to all of our loyal support. Let’s roll.
Independence doesn’t bring about itself – you need to go out and demonstrate that there’s not just a hunger for if, but there is an active and vibrant demand.
That’s what we’re going to do with the ‘Chain of Freedom Scotland’.
Inspired by the Baltic Way,
A peaceful political demonstration which took place on 23 August 1989 when approximately two million people joined their hands forming a 600 km long human chain through the Baltic countries, thus demonstrating their unity in their efforts towards freedom.
Across sixty six miles of Scotland we are going to split into 11 groups – run by each of the Yes/Indy groups.
In each of those 11 groups, we’re going to split into one mile chain links. Inside those links you’ll be able to see the person along from you and it’ll be up to participants how they want to demonstrate support for Scottish Independence.
For some that will be playing your bagpipe to your neighbour, for others that will be taking pictures and sharing on social media. However the important thing is that we turn out and show that the movement is alive and full of the passions of the nation.
In the short space since the idea was born, there are already over nine thousand members in the group – and that’s before we’ve even a got close to the date!
There’s still time for groups to get involved for their local area and there’s more than enough time for individuals to get registered to take part.
It really does need the whole Indy family to turn up and show the world – that Scotland’s people want their independence.
However it’s worth pointing out, on page 39 of Scotland’s Place in Europe, a document authored and prologued in Nicola Sturgeons name, this is exactly the position that was set out.
There are many benefits to EFTA, such as rather quick acceptance – you only need the current 4 countries of Iceland 🇮🇸 , Liechtenstein 🇱🇮 , Norway 🇳🇴 and Switzerland 🇨🇭 to agree, and accept the rules of EFTA, that if you read the whole 62 document of the Scottish Government, we essentially do anyway.
Iceland 🇮🇸 is the closest analogue that applied in November 1968 and became active in January 1970 in EFTA. A year and one month.
Usefully Scotland 🏴 would have a two year transition to independence, which would be more than enough time, especially following the digital revolution since the 70s. Scotland also has the benefit of being nearly fully aligned already.
What does EFTA not include? – Common Agricultural Policy – Common Fisheries Policy – Customs Union – Foreign affairs or Security Policy – Justice – Monetary Union
So essentially – the controversial bits in Scotland – are already exempt from any effect of joining. Scotland can maintain its own fisheries and agricultural policy, which may be of some advantage versus EU membership.
Annual contribution would be around £10m from looking at the payments made by the current members and it’s worth noting – Austria 🇦🇹 , Finland 🇫🇮 and Sweden 🇸🇪 were all members of EFTA that later transitioned to being EU members.
