THE National has published a 16-page special edition today to mark Manniefest – an event in the shadow of Golspie’s Duke of Sutherland Statue set to spark debate on what the Highlands and Islands could look like after independence.
This special edition is an initiative by Yes Highlands and Islands – a network of 22 Yes groups – and has been edited by National columnist, broadcaster and author Lesley Riddoch.
The Manniefest publication was also supported by the Scottish Independence Foundation.
The 16-page special sets out to stimulate debate among independence supporters on what the Highland and Islands could look like after a Yes vote – and invites readers to discuss the articles via The National’s letters pages.
You can send in a letter to The National by emailing letters@thenational.scot In a foreword to the supplement, Manniefest’s organisers say: “Golspie is famous for its landmark statue on Ben Bhraggie. The Duke of Sutherland was an aristocrat heavily involved in the dirty deeds of the Highland Clearances.
If you support #ScottishIndependence join us next month in Golspie for the #Manniefest 🏴#indyref2 🏴 pic.twitter.com/qFXiYw1n7L
— Yes Ross Sutherland (@YesRosCataibh) May 8, 2022
“He is referred to locally as ‘The Mannie’, hence the name of the alternative Jubilee celebration organised by Yes Caithness and Yes Ross Sutherland – Manniefest.
“The Duke represents the aristocracy that still lords it over us. We represent the people. So having an independence rally and ceilidh in the shadow of his statue is our way of challenging the grip landowners have over lives and culture in the North – and peacefully disrespecting his memory.
“Manniefest will be a good-natured affair with well-known speakers, poets and good music over the whole weekend. Everyone’s welcome."
The publication of the supplement coincides with the main day of the Manniefest event.
Those at the event will be able to receive a free copy of The National – while stocks last! Today's National also includes a jubilee special – looking at the case for becoming a republic.
The National's deputy editor Stewart Ward said: "This is a must-read paper for anyone interested in what an independent Scotland will look like. The focus is on the Highlands and Islands, but that's of interest to everyone from Galloway to Golspie and beyond.
"It's been fantastic working with Lesley and the Manniefest organisers to put together this supplement – containing a great range of voices.
"The National is here to support the work of Yes groups – we have resource challenges that other papers do not, but we also have access to resources that allow us to produce and distribute 16-page specials like this to boost the Yes cause.
"We currently have a free 30-day subscription offer running on our website – taking out a subscription is a great way to enable The National to be more and more ambitious with projects like this, so I can't let this opportunity pass without mentioning that too!"
