I’M reminded that exactly 10 years ago I was in Kelso, at the Border Union Show – not what I’d normally have in store for a Saturday afternoon – but I was there, among the hay bales, to launch Yes Scotland’s latest sectoral group, Farming for Yes.

It brought together representatives from Scotland’s agriculture sector who were willing to nail their colours to the mast and back independence. Yes Scotland’s vast grassroots groups – from academics to fishers, from trade unionists to lawyers – represented every corner of Scottish society. The non-party-aligned voices that we platformed were respected and trusted in their fields – and could reach voters in ways that many politicians simply couldn’t.

They were an almighty inconvenience for Better Together because it dismantled their myth that independence was a niche cause limited to the SNP, which back then was a fraction of its current size. The broad and diverse Yes movement that we nurtured in those years created a powerful message which still resonates to this day – support for independence is everywhere; it is much bigger than any one party and any one politician. It couldn’t be otherwise – as no political party has a monopoly on nation-building, it will take all of us.

So as the SNP prepare to debate the General Election strategy at their October conference in Aberdeen, we need to rediscover the hope, positivity and collectiveness of 2014 that bound the movement together and brought us on the cusp of independence.

Because make no mistake, the cause is under attack from the British establishment like we’ve never seen before. A big tent approach will be necessary to win the General Election and take Scotland to independence. That’s why I recently wrote to the party leadership proposing to add the words “Yes to independence” to the ballot paper for the General Election alongside the party’s name and logo. We must make it clear beyond doubt that we’re asking the Scottish electorate to vote for Scotland to become an independent country – and for the UK Government to give democratic effect to that expression of will. Every single SNP candidate must stand on a platform to deliver independence – and make the case with confidence and conviction.

The word “Yes” has the power to attract voters from across the movement beyond the SNP. But more than that, it sends a message about what’s at stake. We must mobilise our support – but equally reach out to those who want to protect Scottish democracy in the backdrop of Westminster power grabs and contempt for our Parliament.

Yes to Independence is the north star that our party and cause need at this moment in time – and the response from activists, MSPs and ministers has been overwhelmingly positive. The Scottish Government’s independence papers must now be translated into key messages and campaign assets for activists and the electorate alike.

As the First Minister wrote in the Sunday National last week, independence is not an abstract concept – it’s the only way to transform our country and build a better future. It’s the only alternative to the Tories and their tribute act in the Labour Party. It’s the only way we can halt the damage of Brexit which is making us poorer, less competitive and less influential on the world stage. It’s the only way that we can end a corrupt system built on privilege that forever rewards the few at the top. And it’s the only way that we can harness Scotland’s energy potential, gain the levers to prosper and lift thousands out of poverty.

I welcome Humza Yousaf’s commitment that page one, line one of the SNP’s manifesto will state “vote SNP for Scotland to become an independent country”. The manifesto must paint a choice of two futures, with each area of policy illustrating the damage of Westminster rule juxtaposed with the tangible opportunities of independence. Party members have until August 14 to submit resolutions to National Conference, which will in turn inform the party’s upcoming manifesto.

It’s an opportunity to showcase the economic and social transformation that can only be achieved by gaining the powers of a normal independent country. No matter what path SNP delegates choose, our independence election must inspire and offer hope, just as it did a decade ago. #YestoIndependence will reignite the spirit of 2014.