THEY may make a lot of noise at pro-independence events, but the leading figure in the Yesbikers group is a former indyref No voter.
Chris Graham, a 19-year-old student and carer, has taken over the reins from Creag Thomas, who set up the group before the referendum.
“It was set up as a group to organise runs and outings to show support for independence,” said Graham.
“In light of the referendum result, people like myself, who are former No voters, were also included into the group.
“I think the fact that I’m now the group leader speaks volumes and the tide is turning. I was a No voter at the time of the referendum.
“I come from a staunch Labour background and now I’m looking after one of the biggest groups of its type in the independence campaign. The tide is definitely turning.
“Basically, we’ll try to attend any and all pro-independence events and make a bit of noise. There can be anything from 50 to a couple of hundred riders turn up at the events, depending on the weather. We have a good following.”
The group operates through Facebook and has more than 5,000 followers. Around 200 riders attended the independence rally in Glasgow at the end of last month.
“We have all ages and backgrounds,” added Graham.
“Men, women and pillion passengers from the age they’re allowed to ride – right up through all ages. We have everyone.
“We’ll carry on attending events and putting up images and facts, interacting with people until Scotland achieves independence.”
As well as pro-independence meets, Yesbikers are also heavily involved in working with Scotland’s food banks and anti-bullying groups.
Graham added: “Although our Facebook page is a pro-independence page, everybody who’s involved very much supports the broader aims and we’re all aware of the bigger picture.”
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 here