GEORGE Kerevan’s article “Don’t be surprised about the timing of sting against two of our SNP MPs” (Nov 15) is yet another timely reminder of what currently confronts us. Well, at least the open smear tactics being deployed against the pro-indy lobby. Surely then, we must be aware of what’s to come: both the obvious and the subliminal.
So are we ready? What are the rebuttals? Where and when? And by whom? And is it going to be reactive to the negativity of others, without positive pro-active activities being spearheaded by the pro-indy lobby?
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Recently a few of the Yes groups have been open and honest in their social media communications, informing us that they’re calling a halt to public events such as stalls, letterboxing, leafleting. Not out of disillusionment, not at all. It’s put down to the practicalities of winter weather and burnout of activists, many of whom haven’t stopped since 2014. But most definitely accompanied with the strong commitment that they will be back!
Is there the danger of the wider Yes movement giving the impression of being in retreat at worst, or in hibernation at least? In turn, should it be left to the two main political parties, SNP and Green, to organise, to lead? It might be said that you can only wait so long. But what of those who are firmly non-aligned, party-wise? No-one wants to see a top-down, heavy infrastructure trying to “lead” the pro-indy movement. Looking back, the fluidity of how we campaigned through 2014 played a great part in our success. We know from the last year or so that Zooms are great for keeping up our spirits, but are we again in danger of being within our comfort zone, without engaging with the very voters we require to change.
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So is it fair to ask: how can we remain active activists in the coming months? This week and the start of the distribution of the one million copy run is another great initiative, following on from the activities in the Day of Action. It’s good to be reminded that there will always be the foot-sloggers prepared to go that extra mile when called upon.
In turn, I’ve noticed more from Bridges for Indy on my social media and two stunning billboards from different parts of Scotland. Perhaps there’s the opportunity for the national players to work with “locals” in their locality be that village, town, city: finding out what we’re already good at, and are in a position to undertake and deliver with practical support and provision.
Selma Rahman
Edinburgh
MICHAEL Fry’s article (Johnson just treated world to one of his finest examples of blinkered clumsiness, Nov 16) highlighted the contempt the Westminster government has for Scotland. Image Boris Johnson silencing Nicola Sturgeon! It would be funny if it were not so serious!
Any notion of this by Boris Johnson only serves to demonstrate how out of touch Mr Johnson is with Scottish politics and Scotland’s First Minister.
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In Scotland we have a First Minister who never misses an opportunity to put Scotland on the global map, and COP26 was a clear example of that. In spite of all the efforts by the Westminster government to silence and sideline Scotland from the COP26 event, the First Minister was having none of it. With the largest city in Scotland hosting the event, good manners and a realistic gesture would have expected the First Minister to be present in an official capacity, but true to form and despite Westminster, the First Minister had world leaders and delegates left in no doubt that Scotland has and will play its part in tackling climate change.
Catriona C Clark
Falkirk
NOW that COP26 has concluded in Glasgow, could Scotland not begin its campaign against climate change by re-foresting its land? By doing away with grouse moors and the killing of birds for entertainment? Preventing the killing of thousands of hares annually alongside raptors including eagles? Who knows how many critically endangered wildcats are killed?
Would it not be so much better to reforest and rewild our land? To be an inspiration to the world? We all know and admire the wonderful national parks in the USA, with their forests and wildlife protected. Could this not be done in Scotland?
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Could we not return the natural mixed species of trees that used to be in forests instead of monocultures being planted? Could we not return such animals as the lynx and European bison? Italy has a large wolf population which lives alongside humans. We could be a haven for endangered species. Scotland could become a wildlife and nature tourist magnet. We could also see an end to the persecution of so much of what little remains of our natural wildlife as a result of having so much land given over to shooting estates. The capercaillie has now become an endangered species.
If we listened only to gamekeepers and farmers, our countryside would consist solely of cattle, sheep and grouse. Trees would be few and far between. In fact, almost what it is now. The reforesting of Scotland would be of benefit to the world by helping to lower carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Most of Scotland is now virtually devoid of what nature gave it. Bring it back.
Richard E Fawcett
Edinburgh
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