THERE seems to be something of a consensus of opinion here that we are not going to have an independence referendum in 2023. Yes, I admit progress is slow and I would love to know the date myself but is that helping to get everything we need drafted and voted through parliament?

As one of those who has been on every march this year (and got a parking ticket in Edinburgh), there is a different sense of optimism about what is liable to happen. Of course it is all speculation like those who think we won’t get a referendum next year. However, we need to believe in the positives that have been taking place, as well as all the major political parties gearing up for the local council elections in May.

If we aren’t going to get a referendum as some suggest, then why increase the number of civil servants working on the draft from 11 to 15?

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I would respectfully argue that shows that progress is being made and that we are on course. Also, if there wasn’t going to be a referendum, then why are Unionists becoming so agitated about it going to happen?

Its great that both Alba and the SNP are sharing a platform at the indy events. Likewise it is good that Ian Blackford and Michael Russell have both attended marches and spoken but we want more and we want to see the likes of Nicola speak as then we will know that the referendum is going to happen and we have to move up a gear.

We can’t allow the next referendum to be lost because of a few percentage points. We need to win convincingly, and we all need to do our part in winning it.

Like a lot of the marchers at the rallies, my belief is that we will see the date being set around September 2023. Effectively that gives ample time to get legislation through parliament. We tend to forget how late some of the details for the 2014 campaign came.

If we fall into the trap of saying that it isn’t going to happen, then it won’t and all we are doing is helping the Unionist cause, and that’s the last thing we want.

We also forget the amount of international pressure that is being placed on Westminster. We – and I mean all of us, not just the top people in the SNP – also need to plan what we are going to do if Westminster tries to block a referendum, and what if the Unionists boycott a future referendum.

I would say that’s their problem when it is a free choice and vote, but we know what they can be like!

At this stage we need to be at least one or two steps ahead of the No campaign. We already know what their argument will be and what their tactics will consist of and they know most of our arguments.

That being the case, there isn’t much need for a long drawn-out campaign. What I would advocate is that everyone of us who wants independence gets hold of as much information and literature as they can – and there is a lot out there – and we start campaigning.

The more work we do today, the less we need to do when the date is finally announced. This is something we as a movement tend to forget. The good weather is hopefully just around the corner, so this is the time to be thinking about organising events for the next few months.

Let’s get up off our backsides and start getting everyone motivated to win the next referendum instead of saying that it’ll no happen!

When it is a cold, wet, miserable day and you’re soaked through, and you see people cheering you on because you’re marching for independence, then you know we are going to win!

It was even better in Paisley and Arbroath as the sun was shining and a lot of children lined the streets waving flags and taking photographs.

Remember that these children will be telling their own children and grandchildren one day of this campaign, and how we won. We are making history and we are writing it.

Alexander Potts

Kilmarnock