THE Aberdeen Independence Movement (AIM) has moved much of its activity online recently and its members – or anyone wishing to join – can take part in events by registering on the live section of the aim.scot website.

AIM was one of the first Yes groups to use social media to involve its membership even before lockdown, and a series of talks is being arranged with keynote speakers which in turn should attract more members.

Tonight, AIM will host a special online Zoom session which could be one of the largest yet held by a Yes group.

From 7-8.30pm, AIM will host a discussion entitled Achieving Social Justice in an Independent Scotland: Resources, Opportunities and Potential.

The group said: “Join us as we host members of the Social Justice and Fairness Commission for a discussion on how we can achieve social justice in an independent Scotland. The focus of this discussion will be on Scotland’s resources, opportunities and potential.

“There will be an opportunity for a Q&A and attendees will be advised on how they can submit their question while the discussion is ongoing. If you can’t attend, but wish to submit a question, please email us on aberdeenaim@gmail.com.

“We look forward to seeing you at what will be an interactive, informative, and enlightening discussion about plans and opportunities for Scotland’s future.”

Please go to the aim.scot website or the AIM facebook page to find out more. Zoom details will be released to the Facebook page this morning.

AIM has also been praised across the Yes movement for its outstanding diversity statement, entitled From a Declaration to a Demonstration, which was recently posted online. The group said: “Given recent global events and what we hope is the precipice of change in relation to the creation of a more just and equal society free from racism, we at AIM have felt the need to commit to being part of this critical process of change.

“We are all in agreement tokenism and performativity are inappropriate as we are already a movement which is both diverse and inclusive. However, we have decided our statement will offer a broader perspective on how we view issues around all forms of racism, including institutional racism and equality in Scotland.”

The views of three people are highlighted, including those of a black Scot, Aberdeenshire-born Fatima Joji. She said: “I’m glad to be part of a movement that is committed to diversity and inclusion in Scotland. However, it is worth noting that we need to move on from a declaration to a demonstration, if we want to create a transformative and progressive Scottish society.”