A GRASSROOTS-LED independence campaign has unveiled the make-up of its national steering group.
Believe in Scotland (BIS) is the umbrella body of 142 local and national grassroots independence campaign groups – and held elections to its National Campaign Steering Group in August and September.
Pro-Yes organisations with regular representation on the steering group include Yes for EU, Christians for Independence and English Scots for Yes.
There are also regional representatives and deputies – where applicable – for 17 areas across Scotland.
The steering group will meet once a month via Zoom for two hours to help plan and progress projects advancing the independence cause.
The regional members were elected by the local Yes Groups in their area and come from across the spectrum of Yes support.
The full list of representatives has now been published online HERE.
Jacqui Jensen, steering group representative for Mid Scotland, said: “BIS is vitally important to the grassroots indy movement. We need a mechanism to actually ‘act’, to come together as a Yes Movement to maximise our impact by combining activity, providing support and using evidence to inform our activism.
“I was lucky to be elected as delegate after a Perthshire hustings where I set out not why I should be a steering group member but what I intended to contribute. I really want to play my part in securing self-determination and BIS is really the only show in town which enables a democratic approach to organised activism AND brings together practicality, best practice, creativity and a willingness to work across the movement.
“With a group this size, we have a range of experience and skills offering organisation and co-ordination to a new campaign. As a steering group member, I am proud to play a part in what should be the last campaign for independence.”
BIS was founded by Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp and alongside Yes for EU, hosted an independence rally in Edinburgh in September with speakers including First Minister Humza Yousaf.
Morag Williamson, steering group representative for Yes for EU, said: “It’s a real privilege for me to represent Yes for EU on the Believe in Scotland Steering Group. The online meetings are great for discussing grassroots campaigning with other Yes reps from right across the country – it is so important for the unity of the movement to have this means of communication and co-operation.
“Like Believe in Scotland, Yes for EU believes that the importance of EU membership for an independent Scotland can’t be overstated. Being part of the EU family will be key in building a better nation, and right now, the EU commitment is crucial in bringing many former ‘No’ voters over to ‘Yes’.
“So Yes for EU was delighted to be able to put EU membership to the fore as an integral part of the Yes campaign, by partnering with Believe in Scotland in organising the hugely successful national March and Rally in Edinburgh on September 2. Partnering with BIS makes bigger, better and more impactful events like that possible.”
The latest ballots marked the second election to the organisation, which in total comprises 28 regional representatives and deputies from 131 affiliated Yes groups, joined by representatives of 11 affiliated national groups.
Brian Allan, who will represent Aberdeen and Grampian on the steering group, said: “I joined the steering group in its early stages as the representative on behalf of Aye Aberdeen and the North East.
“One motivation was to combat potential Central Belt bias, so the North East should be properly represented and Believe in Scotland agreed that was key.
“It’s important that the grassroots are heard because, in the end, it is the grassroots activists that will deliver self-determination for Scotland. The wellbeing economic approach and wellbeing pension focus that Believe in Scotland has researched and is mobilising for will be a very important campaign that speaks to the needs of the people looking forward to a prosperous country.
“I participate in the Campaign Steering Group because I see a wealth of talent who voice often opposing opinions but still maintain a positive discussion with outputs voted upon.”
