THE National is teaming up with the SNP and Believe in Scotland to deliver one million pro-independence newspapers across the country.
Our eight-page publication will be one of the biggest newspaper printing operations in Scotland’s history and bring the Yes case to an enormous number of people.
The newspaper will include original pieces from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and other senior figures.
Content within the special edition will have a focus on wellbeing – and make the pitch to households that an independent Scotland could thrive outside of the Union. SNP president and head of the party’s independence unit Michael Russell hailed the move.
He said: “I am delighted that The National, Believe in Scotland and the SNP are collaborating on this special paper for St Andrew’s Day.
“The message that Scotland’s future has to be an independent one, with a very different type of economy and society, is a powerful one and achieving that post-pandemic is within our grasp.
“To get there we all need to work together with a positive and respectful message, talking directly to our fellow Yessers and all our fellow citizens.
“I look forward to much more Yes movement joint activity in the coming year. Together we can do it!”
Believe In Scotland founder Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp is also excited for what the eight-pager will bring to the Yes movement. He said: “Make no mistake, this publication fires the starting gun on indyref2 but it also starts to redefine the purpose of independence in response to the chaos of Westminster, Brexit and Covid lockdowns.
“The 2023 referendum will not be a re-run of indyref1. Firstly, because the UK of 2014 is broken beyond repair, and secondly, because Scotland will vote Yes this time.
“This initiative brings together the party of government, Scotland’s best newspaper and the lead Yes campaigning group in partnership to issue a new statement on the positive case for independence, explaining how it will help us to maximise our nation’s wellbeing and realise its untapped potential."
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The one million newspapers will be delivered across the country to Yes groups and SNP branches at no cost to them by The National in a huge logistical operation.
National editor Callum Baird said: “We’re really excited about this fantastic project – to publish one million newspapers is a huge endeavour but we’re convinced a vastly worthwhile one.
“We’re making the case for Yes on a huge scale – and as Scotland’s pro-independence newspaper, that’s what we’re here to do.
“It’s thanks to our loyal paper readers and digital subscribers that The National is able to run projects like this.
“So thanks to everyone who supports us – and if you haven’t already signed up for a subscription, now’s a great time, as we’ll be able to give you exclusive sneak peeks of the eight-page special too!”
You should also keep an eye on The National’s social media channels, website and the paper itself for ongoing coverage of the operation – with live videos, interviews and more.
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We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
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The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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