PLANS to broadcast Mel Gibson’s Braveheart in Glasgow’s George Square, ahead of a Hope Over Fear rally on Saturday, have caused a stooshie.
The Oscar winning movie, which the British Board of Film Classification awarded a 15 certificate because of its “strong bloody violence”, and occasional nudity, is due to be screen at 10am before Tommy Sheridan’s annual pro-independence jamboree in the city centre formally begins.
The proposal saw Yes supporters clashing on social media.
"People will be put off voting Yes by seeing folk cheering Braveheart and then cheering Tommy Sheridan. That will absolutely put soft Nos off," tweeted SNP councillor Mhairi Hunter.
Prominent nationalist writer Jason Michael tweeted: "I've been to house parties where films have been projected as part of the decor. Get over your-sneering-selves."
Sheridan took to Twitter to say it would be “an edited version of a brilliant film which although not historically accurate... does shine a light on history hidden from ordinary Scots for years”
But Gibson’s bare bottom won’t be the only contentious sight at the rally, with three SNP MSPs and one councillor breaking party ranks to appear alongside Sheridan.
Former minister Alex Neil, along with Sandra White, Gil Paterson, and former Depute Leader hopeful and Greenock councillor Chris McEleny are all listed as speakers.
Colin Beattie had also been billed by organisers, but the Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP later said he couldn't make the event as it clashed with another commitment.
In previous years SNP politicians have shunned events organised by Sheridan, a convicted perjurer.
SNP members reacted with anger at their colleagues choosing to go along to the rally in Glasgow’s George Square on Saturday.
One Twitter user, Southsidegrrrl, tweeted: “As a member of @theSNP I object to our elected representatives so actively supporting a rival (if failing/failed) political party. As a feminist who is lucky enough to count some former SSP women as friends, I’m disgusted.”
Suzanne McLaughlin tweeted that she was “disgusted” at the five. “What happened to not platforming with Sheridan. @thesnp truly horrific judgement on the parts of those people agreeing to this”.
Former SSP MSP Rosie Kane tweeted: “I feel as if they are spitting in my face and I’m very disappointed.”
McEleny defended his decision to accept an invitation to speak at the event.
He said “ I was asked many months ago, when I was standing for Depute Leader of the SNP, to speak at the independence rally at George Square on Saturday.
“There was criticism, then, that SNP representatives aren’t always visible at grassroots events the independence movement are creating so I thought it would be a good opportunity to get across my belief in independence and how we can best achieve that. “
McEleny added: “When thousands of like minded are gathering I think it’s a wasted opportunity to shun an event that we can get a message across to people. No individual, no group, or political party is bigger than independence. However, at the end of the day I’m an SNP representative so I’m happy to seek clarity from the party on the matter.”
White and Paterson did not respond to requests for a comment. Neil declined to comment.
Last week, Sheridan likened one of their MP colleagues to a traitor, after Stewart MacDonald criticised him for taking a job with Sputnik.
Sheridan tweeted: “Who needs unionists when we have ‘friends’ attacking like-minded YESers with nasty intent. Willian Wallace was betrayed by his former aide and fellow Scot. Betrayal from within has always been a problem. This individual is worth keeping an eye on”.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
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.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
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
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel