AN INDEPENDENCE supporter has shared pictures and memories from a Bannockburn march during the 1970s.
The National has been asking readers to submit photographs and memorabilia from pro-independence campaigning which took place long before the 2014 referendum.
We found many younger readers understand the independence conversation through the lens of the indyref onwards, but it is important to celebrate the people who put the work in for decades prior to the vote.
READ MORE: Meet the Yesser who's been making Saltire-themed artwork for 30 years
For this week’s article, we’ll look at the photographs sent in by reader Struthers Symington.
The campaigner sent in pictures of his family getting ready for the march, for which it was reported 24,000 people attended.
Struthers Symington with his father and step-mother
The SNP was closely linked to the annual Bannockburn rally during the 20th century, but over the years the party withdrew involvement and stopped attending in an official capacity in 2008.
READ MORE: Independence: Family shares memories of fighting for Home Rule during the 70s
“The photos were taken on the last Bannockburn march I took part in the 1970's,” Symington told The National. “It was reported that approximately 24,000 people were on that march.
People waiting to hear speeches at the event
“The first picture shows me, in the kilt, my father and my step-mother.”
Symington recalled some of his experiences as an activist during the period.
“I took part in [SNP] Dumbarton Branch activities including holding various offices,” he explained. “I went on to stand for the Burgh council on three occasions, getting close enough to require a recount but losing none the less.”
Flags lined up at Bannockburn
The campaigner added his favourite memories of the independence movement during the time include “canvassing and leafletting in Govan for Margo MacDonald, in Raploch, Stirling and more or less every part of what is now West Dunbartonshire”.
READ MORE: Margo MacDonald's best moments fighting for Scottish independence in the 1970s
Anyone who’d like to submit their memories – whether they are pictures of people at marches, old flags, badges, T-shirts, flyers, whatever you have – please click here.
YESterday: Send us your pictures from the indy movement of days gone by
The National is running a new monthly feature focused on the independence movement of years gone by. The independence conversation is often limited to 2014-now, freezing out the decades of campaigning that came before the referendum. We would love to see photos of pre-2014 marches, rallies and events - as well as pictures of old pro-independence or SNP badges, T-shirts, flyers, posters, or other merchandise. Help us tell the stories which are too often left out of the mainstream independence narrative! We'll be publishing the best submissions once a month online and in the newspaper.
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