ACROSS the Yes movement there is growing collaboration between various groups as they realise the power of working together.

Now, in what they describe as their most ambitious event yet, the Aberdeen Independence Movement and the Dundee & Angus Independence Group are jointly arranging a North East Plan for Independence conference under the title of Forward.

It will take place in the Park Inn By Radisson in Justice Mill Lane in Aberdeen on Sunday, February 24, from 10.30am to 6pm, and promises to be a full day of participation to plan the push for independence in the north-east.

Speakers include SNP depute leader Keith Brown, Maggie Chapman, Professor Iain Black, Councillor Ashley Graczyk, Gregg Brain, Fiona Robertson, Ellen Hofer, Greg McCarra of the Scottish Independence Foundation, Unchained Media’s Siobhan Tolland, Theo Forbes, Aberdeen Students For Independence, Lloyd Melville, Sarah Glynn, Jerry Morarity, Sam Ochola, Richard Thomson, Dundee youth group, Kenny Braes, Bronwyn Henderson, Jessica Mennie, Izhar Khan, Vicky Harper, Richard Johnstone and more.

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Music will be provided by Alan Smart, Jim Rodden and Jamie Rodden, and there will be a post-conference party in the Bridge Street Social Club from 7.30pm. Tickets for the events can be obtained on Eventbrite.

One of the main discussions will see a panel talk about the need for a localised and diverse strategy to develop a movement with direct understanding and relevance to local people featuring several weel-kent faces from the independence movement in Aberdeen city and shire, Angus and Dundee.

The groups told us: “We aim to educate, challenge and inspire. The day will be about us all finding ways that can and will take us to an independent Scotland. We will do this through practical workshops, discussions and opportunities to exchange ideas.”

Aberdeen Independence Movement added: “When the idea of this conference came about, we spoke at length, about the need for a new campaign, with new and young voices, at its centre.

“And boy have the young voices delivered. They will play a huge part in the day. Not just speaking, but designing their own workshops.

Siobhain Tolland said: “There is a whole host of workshops and panel discussions for you to enjoy at this conference.

“We are lucky to have a strong youth input into this conference – with Aberdeen Students for Independence hosting a workshop on retaining and attracting talent in an independent Scotland and Dundee youth independent activists hosting a workshop of the advantages of independence for young people.”