SINCE the General Election result I feel sadness and somewhat powerless, as if I am treading water. How did our independence enthusiasm become so diluted we hardly hear it mentioned?

In fact, listening to BBC national news even Scotland is rarely mentioned!

While I support Tommy Sheppard and his commitment to SNP, I feel the “four-step route” is a long-drawn-out process. We need to be creating a credible vision of our independent Scotland now. We need to be speaking out at every opportunity about how we would deal with issues and the challenges of governing a modern society.

READ MORE: Tommy Sheppard: A four-step route for the SNP to win back lost votes

The 2026 election is enough time to give notice that with a pro-indy majority vote in the Scottish Parliament we will then initiate talks with the rUK with the ultimate aim of completing an agreement on Scottish independence.

Several former SNP MPs who lost their posts in the election have the expertise and drive to form a Scottish think tank to take us forward not in five to 10 years but now (aye, Tommy – your country needs you).

To bring back voters, independence has to be centre stage so that we can smell it, touch it and feel it all around us – a tangible reality that excites and inspires all generations – now!

Jan Ferrie
Ayrshire