THE Yes Challenge is within touching distance of reaching its goal, and with less than 24 hours to go before the deadline we need everyone to help us down this final straight.

Since The National launched the drive eight days ago, more than 4500 of us have pledged to nominate, and try to convince, one person we know to join the pro-independence cause.

To help them on their way to Yes, each nominated undecided voter will receive a code to unlock a treasure trove of free information on the push for independence.

Now, with over 90% of the ground needed to hit our target of 5000 signatories already covered, we are asking for one last big push.

ADD YOUR NAME TO THE YES CHALLENGE PLEDGE

But the yeschallenge.scot website won’t tell the whole story. This Friday February 5, every copy of The National will have unique code printed inside.

Just like the codes given to those undecided voters, these will each unlock 12 weeks of free digital news from this paper, a series of exclusive articles tackling the most common roadblocks people face on the road to Yes, and access to some expert-led webinars where inquisitive Maybes can explore the case for Scottish independence.

Those articles will be provided by The National’s partner in the Yes Challenge, Business for Scotland, who will also provide each nominee with a copy of their excellent Scotland: The Brief.

Speaking after the challenge passed the 4000 milestone, Business for Scotland's Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp said it was a great way of reaching outside the "Yes bubble" to undecided voters.

He added: "We will only win the next referendum by opening the minds of those intrigued but not yet convinced, and the Yes Challenge is a great way of doing that."

The pledge, which takes inspiration from the concept of "each one, teach one", has won praise from prominent politicians and celebrities as a great way of furthering the Yes cause.

SNP president Michael Russell, actor Alan Cumming, and singer-songwriter Eddi Reader are just three of the thousands to have put their names to the pledge.

ADD YOUR NAME TO THE YES CHALLENGE PLEDGE

Cumming called the drive a 'great idea'. Echoing that sentiment, political science professor Andrew Sanders said what was needed was to grow a committed base by avoiding the alienation of potential supporters who need some persuasion, meeting voters where they are, focusing on existing voters, and consolidating the movement.

To that end, he said the challenge is an "interesting strategy and I think one that could really benefit the Yes campaign."

Now, with the end and our target both in sight, we are asking everyone to be that benefit to the Yes movement. If you haven't signed up already, do it now!

If you think you know two people who might come around to Yes, sign up twice! Only by all working together, both before and after indyref2, can we make sure the independent Scotland now in touching distance does not slip out of reach.

ADD YOUR NAME TO THE YES CHALLENGE PLEDGE