WHAT a response we received to the special supplement on the marches of 2018 published on Monday.

All Under One Banner’s verdict was typical – “amazing article” – and we are delighted that so many people responded so positively to our chronicle of what may, in time, be seen as a transformational year in the Yes story.

Being the fair newspaper that we are, we also allowed critics to have a say on our website in the comments section, though we suspect that the person who referred to the marchers as “the great unwashed” was simply being a Unionist troll. Still if that’s what they really think of us ...

For reasons of space, we also had to leave out some of the many excellent contributions that we received from marchers, so in response to some requests the Yes DIY Hub is delighted to record those memories.

Rory from Yes Aberdeen2 told us: “I helped run buses to four of the marches this year.

“Many of the bus passengers have then gone on to be active campaigners for our group, leafleting and helping with stalls.

“The highlights of the year were climbing the Crags in Holyrood Park and seeing the crowd and Yes Bikers surge into the park in their thousands.

“I also was lucky enough to watch a livestream of the march in Inverness, my city of birth, from the top of a mountain glacier in Austria.

Brian Allan joined a bus organised by Yes Aberdeen 2 and travelled to his first march at Bannockburn.

He said: “The bus was full of folk from across the north east, all enjoying great camaraderie and common purpose.

“The weather was sunny, as was the disposition on the faces of the marchers. A sense of awe transpires when looking along an endless snake of blue winding its noisy way along the street.

“Vans parked along the route with their liveries emblazoned YESSS on one and Wallace on the other. Omens, if any were needed, for joining Inverness and Dundee marches which followed later.”

Ray and Sandra James from Bearsden told The National their reasons for marching. We should explain they are most well known in the Yes movement for their brilliant idea of the IndyPram that keeps so many thousands entertained.

“One – To send a strong message to the Scottish and UK Governments. Two – To show support to those living in different areas of Scotland. Three – To keep fellow marchers entertained for the duration of a march with indy-preferred music using the IndyPram mounted PA system. Four – As an English Scot, to display my English Scots For Yes banner hoping it will be seen far and wide and enforce the message that wanting independence for Scotland does not mean independence is in any way anti-English. Five – To encourage others that have made Scotland their home to consider the case for independence. Six – As pensioners ourselves, to inspire other pensioners to join us in what is a very family-friendly fun day out for all age groups.”

It’s people like Ray and Sandra James who make you think.

Just a couple of other events, both from the last few days, to mention

Oban’s Grassroots for Independence group reacted to the call from Bridges for Indy for St Andrew’s Day protests.

They told us: “On Saturday, the Black Lynn Bridge at Oban, was symbolically retaken again today by Scottish independence supporters. Previously held throughout the 2014 campaign, by them.

“Oban voted 62% ‘Yes’ in 2014 – more this time.”

For St Andrew’s Day, many Yes supporters went the extra mile to promote our national day.

Donald Shaw told us he and his wife, both Yes voters and SNP members, encouraged their Nigerian priest – Father James Anyaegbu at St Mary’s church in Beauly – to hold a St Andrew’s celebration after morning mass on Friday.

Donald designed a graphic – “with thanks to El Greco for doing a painting of Saint Andrew” – to promote the event. During the celebration, Donald played the pipes, there was haggis, oatcakes and cheese, “and a wee dram to chase away the cold weather”.

He added: “By the way, The National is a great paper, wi’ brilliant articles.”

Thanks for that, Donald.