SCOTTISH independence groups are rebuilding activist networks "group by group" on Bluesky amid a mass social media exodus to the platform. Bluesky, similar to Twitter/X, emerged as the main rival to Elon Musk's platform in 2024.
In the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory, Bluesky saw user numbers grow as millions flocked to the site, often citing the changing sentiment towards far-right rhetoric on Twitter/X as a key reason for moving elsewhere.
The site was developed by Twitter/X co-founder Jack Dorsey in 2019 and the site has now surpassed 26 million users.
For users to build their timelines, Bluesky offers "starter packs". A starter pack can be curated by any individual with a Bluesky account and has a feature that allows a person to "follow all" accounts in the given pack.
Each pack can have up to 150 accounts listed and each individual account holder can create up to three packs. Kevin Gibney, founder of Independence Live who has assisted in the creation of the independence network, said: "We looked at the possibilities offered by Blusky and thought 'wouldn't it be an interesting idea if there was a starter pack of Blueky accounts that had their own starter packs of communities that they curated?'. Which is why we have created a starter pack called the 'curated list of Scottish independence communities'.
"Creating a community of people gives you that sense of belonging. Plus once established others, can find out about your account and message you to join, in turn building the community."
Packs have been created for New Scots for Independence, Veterans for Scottish Independence, Retired Teachers for Independence, Believe in Scotland, and National Yes Network alongside packs curated by activist Lorna MacGillivray and Andrew Sharpe of verified Scottish independence supporters.
"The idea is to use our knowledge to help set up communities with their own starter packs. All accounts are/will be run by people listed on their starter pack who are keen to get involved. They can do this by easily switching on Bluesky between their personal account and the group account to post and repost relevant messages," Gibney said.
Bluesky currently does not have a group message feature and so each group has had a WhatsApp chat created for communication.
Gibney urged supporters to get involved, adding: "We are always looking out to do more and love suggestions. Possibly after the new year we will be looking to set up Creatives for Scottish Independence which we think is badly needed."
Bluesky is still a long way from challenging Twitter/X’s position in the social media landscape, but Musk’s new partisan approach to politics could drive further growth to Bluesky and others in 2025.
You can find the curated list of Scottish independence communities here.
