INDEPENDENCE GROUP OF THE YEAR AWARD

Recognises the pro-independence group whose activities have been most successful in furthering the cause of independence. The winner, Believe in Scotland, will receive a trophy and £1000 to spend on a pro-independence project of their choice and which is compatible with the aims of the Scottish Independence Foundation.

Like so many of the other nominations for the group award, Believe in Scotland is changing hearts and minds and is a worthy winner of the Scottish Independence Foundation Group Award 2020.

RUNNERS-UP

SAOR ALBA PIPING AND DRUMMING BAND

The Piping and Drumming Band of the independence movement who, through their combined talents. bring atmosphere and life to Scotland’s independence marches.

INDEPENDENCE LIVE

Independence Live, founded by Kevin Gibney in 2013, has livestreamed marches and events across Scotland. The organisation has shown the world just how popular and active the Scottish independence movement is.

YES4EU

This new group is targeting Scotland’s overwhelmingly pro-EU vote. Alongside Edinburgh Yes Hub and All Under One Banner, it is group is re-inventing political activism with its socially distanced demonstrations and online campaign for an independent Scotland within the EU demonstrating that support for Scottish Independence was strong and getting stronger.

INDEPENDENCE CAMPAIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Recognises the campaigner whose activities have been most successful in furthering the cause of independence.

READ MORE: Lesley Riddoch named Scottish Independence Campaigner of the Year

The winner, Lesley Riddoch, will receive a trophy and £1500 to be spent on a pro-independence project of their choice and which is compatible with the aims of the Scottish Independence Foundation.

RUNNERS-UP

IAN WAUGH

Ian Waugh demonstrates the power of the pensioner with his Mobile Yes Hub. His indy branded van promotes Scottish independence and supports Indy groups, shops, business owners and farmers in every part of Dumfries and Galloway.

MICHAEL GRAY

Michael Gray’s vibrant new media organisation Skotia covers a wide range of topical issues across Scotland.

Skotia was notable for getting seed money from SIF, producing their first broadcast before creating a crowdfunder which raised eight times the amount of the grant.

SELMA RAHMAN

Selma Rahman is a founding member of Edinburgh Women for Independence and a frequent contributor to the letters page of The National. From regular TV appearances, street stalls and activist training, to the encouragement of less confident women at WFI events, there is nothing she won’t turn her hand to.

DR TIM RIDEOUT

Tim Rideout has the innate ability to take complex economics subjects (such as GERS, Scotland’s deficit, and the setting up of a new currency) and bring them to the masses. Tim is asking the questions that should be being asked and providing many of the answers.