Jordanelee Donegan is a 24-year-old student from Glasgow. Like many young people in 2014, she was worried about Scotland's EU membership, but she’s since realised that independence is the best option for Scotland.
IN 2014 I felt that Scotland wasn't ready for independence. I knew I wanted it in the future, but I didn't think 2014 was the right time.
I had only turned 18 six months before the referendum and had only voted once before it. As much as I felt I was educated and informed on politics, I was nowhere near as educated as I am now. I also took on board concerns about independence that adults around me had, mostly teachers and family members, and didn’t make my mind up based entirely on my own opinions.
I had strong concerns over Scotland's place in the EU and in a global forum. I was worried that our economy wouldn’t be strong enough to maintain the high standard of living we have become used to in recent years – free prescriptions and higher education were specific examples I had concerns over. Even despite them being SNP-introduced at Holyrood. Now, in a post-Brexit, post-Trump, 10 years of Conservative rule with no end in sight Scotland, I can see I was wrong.
READ MORE: No to Yes: I campaigned for Better Together, but Brexit changed everything
NEW: No➡ Yes
— The National (@ScotNational) February 15, 2021
Allen Whitehead, 74, moved to Scotland from England in 1973. He voted No in the referendum but now believes Scots were lied to about independence 👇https://t.co/EMpqSIdJj5
I have been privileged enough now to study politics at university, and expose myself to more varied views which I think have influenced my change in views on independence. I now believe Scotland has a diverse and strong economy that could sustain itself without the backing of Westminster.
I cannot see things getting better for Scotland under the thumb of England and now I believe that an independent Scotland is the best thing for this country.
READ MORE: No to Yes: I was a firm Unionist in 2014 ... then I had an epiphany
This was confirmed entirely for me in the 2019 General Election. While I was voting SNP at this election, I held out hope as someone who had only ever voted Labour previously, from a family who also have strong ties to the Labour Party, that Labour would garner some support down south.
Seeing Labour’s astounding defeat in 2019, and the subsequent choice to replace Jeremy Corbyn (who I won’t deny has his flaws) with Keir Starmer, cemented my belief that England and Scotland are too different for the Union to work anymore. Soar Alba!
To tell us about your No to Yes journey, CLICK HERE
From No to Yes: Why do you want Scotland to be independent?
Did you formerly back the Union but now support independence? In around 400 words, tell us why you've changed your mind about Scottish independence. Was it Brexit, the pandemic, the shambolic Tory government or a mixture of different factors? We want to hear all about it. Submit your answer to feature in one of our From No to Yes articles. If you have any questions or requests, please contact angus.cochrane@thenational.scot
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel