THE National has received a unique thank-you for its coverage of the Catalan people’s right to self-determination.

It came in a package delivered to writer Greg Russell – a sporran fashioned in yellow leather and a pair of yellow flower lapel badges.

Yellow is the predominant colour of the Catalan flag, the Estelada, the pro-independence movement and the campaign to free political prisoners in Catalonia. The items came from Nquart Leather, an artisan leather business run by Catalan indy supporters Sandra Quilez and Anna Pradell.

In a hand-written note enclosed with the sporran, they said: “We sent you this little detail in gratefulness for your support in the fight towards a free Catalunya.”

The edge of the sporran is inscribed with the

lyrics of Pais Petit! (Little Country), a song by Lluis Llach: “My country is so small, that when the sun goes to sleep, it’s never very sure if it has seen it.”

Nquart also makes the yellow leather ribbons, which tens of thousands of people have been sporting in support of Catalonia’s political prisoners.

“It’s the most unusual sporran I’ve ever seen, let alone owned,” said Russell.

“It really is a lovely gesture from the girls and I will be wearing it the next time I’m in Barcelona.”