THE case for Scottish independence is stronger than ever – and we want to build on that by challenging our readers to help win over undecided voters.
The Sunday National is launching an essay contest with a £500 prize, along with a spot on our Seven Days pull-out’s front-page for the winner.
Plus, we’ll have a bonus £250 prize pot for the best entry by someone under the age of 21 – the next generation know well the importance of a Yes vote, and we want to give them this chance to showcase why.
Scotland has delivered Holyrood a clear mandate for indyref2, and we’re not waiting for a starting gun to begin our campaigning.
Inspired by the incisive contributions and debate on our pages, we’re going to give our readers a little more space than a letter allows.
We’re asking you to write a 1600-2200 word essay making the case for independence to undecided voters.
Simply put, we want you to answer this question: “Why should Scotland be independent?”
The deadline for this piece will be on Sunday, July 11, and we’ll be accepting entries from next Sunday (June 27).
Make sure you pick up next week’s Sunday National for details on how to enter and the T&Cs!
Our judges will be looking for the most convincing piece, with persuasive, well-set-out writing – and we’ll be revealing our judging panel soon.
Our subscribers will also be able to cast a vote, which will factor into which essay is declared the winner.
The National’s editor Callum Baird said: “The National is Scotland’s only pro-independence newspaper – and we know the stakes are high.
“We’re always looking for ways to use our platform to help bolster the Yes movement and this was a perfect fit.
“As well as the £500, we’ll showcase the winning essay on our popular Seven Days front page.
“I’d encourage as many people as possible to enter. Even if you don’t win, your contribution will inspire others and help us hone our arguments as we move towards indyref2.
“Good luck!”
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
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