I WISH to take this opportunity to provide our First Minister, while she is preparing to present her position on a second independence referendum, with observations, advice and comment on the situation and circumstances surrounding our nation both at the time of the first independence referendum in 2014 and in our situation presently in 2019. It can be stated that the political, economic and social landscape of 2019 could not be more different than that of 2014.

After a long period of preparing our case, we went to the vote in 2014. This took place in an environment with a reluctant UK Government convinced it was only a formality to extinguish the independence challenge; with the full force of Project Fear; the unholy alliance of Better Together; a hostile press and BBC; a less than supportive EU and an SNP starting from a low support base (20+%) .

The economic argument for independence presented in the white paper was disregarded and the whole of the anti-independence lobby of the political establishment was harnessed to belittle any suggestion we could go it alone. Strange alliances were formed, Labour and Tory, big business, even a US president, celebrities and film stars. All convinced we as a nation were too wee, too stupid , too poor!

Right at the end the anti-independence lobby realised it was not a forgone conclusion. Panic set in, big guns were sent up, promises were made, and we were told we were a precious part of the Union! And finally we got a Vow. We all know the result. A close-run thing.

How about now? Well, the 2019 political landscape could not be more different. Much has changed, and promises made have turned out to be an illusion. Many of the anti-independence players have gone, their promises turned to dust. Has the demand for independence faltered? Not in the slightest! Has the UK changed? Yes. Has the EU changed? Yes. Has Scotland changed? Yes.

First Minister, as you mull over and consult over your future independence strategy can I advise the following: the UK outside Scotland is in political meltdown, Labour and the Tories are split and in meltdown, Westminster with its archaic and pointless adherence to a time gone by is irrelevant to Scotland’s needs. Scottish MPs are met with derision, indifference and never listened to. The people of Scotland and abroad watch this pantomime on a weekly basis. Westminster cannot remain as the legal spokesperson and legislator for Scotland.

Further issues for you to note as you deliberate. The Vow, a lie, a promise broken. Scotland part of the precious Union? This is laughable, we are treated with disrespect at all levels of government. Brexit has showed this attitude every step of the way as our nation was left out of all decision-making even when we had a large majority to remain. It was almost laughable how our country was ignored by the BBC and press on the issue of Brexit. How much more has to be done to our nation by the UK before we realise we will be governed this way forever until we take our future into our own hands.

Can I add some positives? The EU “knows us better”, they will not stand in the way of any membership application; Scotland socially and economically has been changed beyond any recognition. We are now quite different as a nation compared to England. Our social democracy is a beacon in the UK. We are different from Scotland 2014; we have “got on with the day job”. Our struggle is known worldwide. We have a Yes movement which now operates effectively in the four corners of Scotland. We have a Growth Commission report which lays bare the positives and negatives of a post-independent Scotland.

Many in Scotland of course remain to be convinced about independence. First Minister, it will be your task and the task of the supporters of independence to ensure that this time a clear, concise strategy is put in place. We are wiser this time, we have greater knowledge and experience. I believe that the positives for independence now outweigh the negatives. Scotland has proven it can flourish as an independent nation. Let’s make sure to tell our people all the good things that have happened since 2014, how our nation can flourish, and to explain effectively the issues of the economy, the currency, oil, fishing, agriculture and the EU.

Remember we start from a base of 45% this time! I am ready. Are you?

Dan Wood
Kirriemuir