THERE are many who feel the independence campaign is at a virtual standstill in this year of Covid-19, and there are others who have come up with innovative ideas to keep the Yes movement ticking over.
Among many events lost or changed in 2020 was the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, Scotland’s most important historical document. But now the Scottish Independence Movement (SIM) has devised a safe way to celebrate, culminating in an event in Arbroath itself this Saturday.
SIM said: “We as an organisation and many other independence groups have had various discussions about how can celebrate such an important date in Scotlands history pass while safely protecting ourselves and our country from Covid-19.
“The easing of lockdown has given back some of the freedoms restricted during phase one, two and three, but it looks like it will be 2021 at the earliest before we can consider marching for independence once again.
“With the success of our four Nationwide Caledonian convoys on August 1 in the north, south, east and west of Scotland, SIM has created an event where we can still celebrate the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath safely and with as little disturbance as possible to the local community.
“SIM is running independence convoys from around the country to drive past Arbroath Abbey on Saturday, September 26, both to celebrate the signing and to bring independence back to the forefront. We are working constructively with Angus Council and local pro-indy groups to facilitate this event.
“We will have convoys leaving from Dundee, Glasgow, Dumfries and Galloway, Inverness and Aberdeen. We will be following guidelines that adhere to the Scottish Government guidance that allow you to participate safely from the comfort of your own vehicle.
“Get your cars flags, car magnets, your favourite Scottish tunes blaring, and let us show the citizens in our cities, towns, villages we pass through that Independence is still our objective.”
Due to the fact that Covid-19 restrictions are still in place and cases are on the rise, SIM says it had no hesitation in cancelling its planned march in Edinburgh on October 3. The group added: “We would never put anyone at risk. We do however have an alternative in place. We will be organising a Nationwide Cavalcade to Edinburgh on November 28.”
The idea at present is for convoys from around Scotland to meet up in Glasgow and form a massive cavalcade to the capital in celebration of St Andrew’s Day.
SIM added: “Just because we can’t march doesn’t mean we can’t safely mobilise the independence movement.”
Details can be found on the SIM Facebook page.
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