READING the articles in The National this past week by Carolyn Leckie (August 13), and David Pratt (August 14), urging those who share the hope of Scottish independence to “keep the heid”, and avoid “remarks that damage the cohesion of the independence cause”, I was reminded of the rallying call made by Maximus (Russell Crowe) in one of the early scenes of the Ridley Scott film, Gladiator.

Leading the charge of his Roman cavalry during a battle in a forest in Germania, he repeatedly calls out to them “Stay with me!” He and they knew well enough that the efficacy, power, and momentum of the charge would be best served by their cohesion. The integrity of the charge; the disciplined unity of the individual members in the action, could deliver the intended, the desired outcome – “Roma Victor”!

READ MORE: David Pratt: Panic merchants and independence splitters are a threat to Yes cause

The success of the manoeuvre lay in the power of their oneness of will to overcome the “barbarian horde” (a good enough description of the present Tory administration at Westminster, as well as their loyal levies in opposition at Holyrood).

Should this cinematic narrative stand as an allegory of sorts, it might be unwrapped then in terms of referencing certain needs for the present strategic moment in the action, the cause, the hope, that is Scottish independence.

In this 700th anniversary year of the Declaration of Arbroath, it would be a terrible disservice (involving great ingratitude) to Scottish memory and identity should our tenacity in the endeavour to breathe again, in a sense, the same air, to feel the thrill of the same spirit, of the freedom that bore the Declaration of 1320 into being, be wounded or weakened by any troublous tendentiousness and morose mistrust.

READ MORE: Carolyn Leckie: Independence is within our reach so we must keep the heid

Scotland’s consciousness needs be fixed upon that which, alone among all watchwords, will win the day – solidarity!

Solidarity! Surely a “shibboleth” that speaks with distinctive cogency of the power of one; of a unity and integrity of energy and purpose that gathers up within itself, and is vitalised by, the assurance of things hoped for. Its a force capable of sweeping all before it, that proffers victory in any struggle.

“Stay with me!” – a cry that needs resound, for it bears too the voices of those who in 1320 set down in writing the soul of a nation.

Patrick Hynes
Airdrie

WITH opinion polls consistently showing a majority of Scots supporting independence, we are seeing some in the Unionist camp sinking to contemptible depths in order to destabilise our cause.

Divide and conquer seems to be one of their more obvious ploys, and much is being made of an alleged tension between supporters of Nicola Sturgeon and those of Alex Salmond. Let’s not fall for this.

Alex Salmond has done more for the cause of independence than any Scot alive. He is so loathed and feared by the forces of Unionism that, having failed to destroy him in a court of law, they are now scrabbling around desperately for other ways in which to tarnish his reputation and extinguish the inspiration he continues to give us.

Nicola Sturgeon took over from Alex in 2014 and she must be given much personal credit for raising support for independence from 45% to over 50%. She is a superb First Minister and leader of the SNP, being justly admired on an international scale. I hope, and I believe, she will lead us to independence.

However, in the meantime, we do not have to choose – as many would like us to think – between supporting Nicola or supporting Alex. It is a false choice presented by our enemies in order to manipulate us and sow division in our ranks. Let us rise above this.

I ask Scotland to join me in saluting them both – Alex and Nicola!

Billy Scobie
Alexandria

I AM rather weary at the number of experts ready to give their advice to all that will listen on how to achieve independence.

The crucial fact is not the achievement of a referendum, polls, walks, marches and people lending their votes. The real issue is how to achieve the magic 50% and even better 60% of the electorate voting and overwhelmingly supporting independence. Crucially what is required is a fundamental shift in hearts and minds. I believe that right now this is happening in our country, not because of experts, influential pundits and activists convincing people but because the general public see that Scotland, on a daily basis, is following a different path compared to the rest of the UK.

The Covid pandemic and its handling by the Scottish Government compared to the rest of the UK has been a major factor and of course has clearly indicated the lack of influence and place we have in this Union. The decisions and actions towards Scotland of what is now a long-term right-wing government in Westminster furthers the cause of independence. The opposition MSPs sitting in Holyrood show where their loyalties lie, and as a result their support is withering on the vine. At last the public are seeing a different future.

Remember 45% of voters consistently support independence while 35% consistently support the Union. That leaves 20% open to persuasion and able to swing the balance. It would seem that recently 9% have moved towards independence and that support is now 54%. This is now a regular number. It is not the pundits and independence “experts” who have caused the change, but it is the hearts and minds of the public seeing it for themselves. I am optimistic that this step-change in support will continue upwards to the magic 60%. Of course, we need a strategy and an active Yes movement but for goodness sake, as Carolyn Leckie stated, “keep the heid for a wee bit longer”.

Will all experts and pundits or otherwise stop the sniping, carping and division and unite under one Yes movement.

Dan Wood
Kirriemuir