NATIONAL columnist and blogger Paul Kavanagh – aka the Wee Ginger Dug – has launched this year’s crowdfunder in order to keep his pro-independence blog going.

Kavanagh is appealing for help in raising £10,000, which he says would help to support him for the next 12 months and would see the Wee Ginger Dug blog, which dates back to 2013, continuing for another year.

“The Wee Ginger Dug is one of Scotland’s best known pro-independence blogs, but content creation doesn’t come out of thin air,” Kavanagh said.

He added that the work carried out through the blog and beyond “can only be done if you have the security of knowing that you’ll be able to pay your bills and keep food on the table”.

He continued: “I’m very grateful to have so many loyal and regular readers; this blog would not be possible without you.

“Please help me to keep it going and keep the Dug’s tour of Scotland going, too.”

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Kavanagh’s extensive campaigning efforts for Scottish independence would also be funded by the money raised, including delivering talks, attending pro-indy events and visiting grassroots organisations across the country once the coronavirus lockdown is lifted.

He pointed out that he “wasn’t sure whether to launch this year’s annual crowdfunder given the difficult situation we’re all in”.

Yet after just two hours of the fundraiser going live, more than 10% of the goal had been reached, with donations already hitting £1377 at the time.

For those who wish to donate to the blog, the crowdfunder website can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/wee-ginger-crowdfunder.

Alternative options, including Paypal, are listed on the Wee Ginger Dug blog.