If the SNP is 'obsessed' with independence that's a good thing

Women everywhere are flabbergasted by the answer. So, is this true? I asked men in my life and apparently so! From citing Roman names and places to discussing the roads and plumbing, it seems we have uncovered a strange phenomenon.

After thinking as to what fills my mind every day, and that of my female friends, I don’t know if we have a collective thought obsession.

But I often wonder if we asked our indy supporters what their minds were filled with every day, it would be obvious!

The opposition Unionists may shout with cries of “you’re obsessed with independence”, but much like this apparent male Roman Empire thought obsession, this has to do with a whole picture that encompasses so much more than just an abstract idea of Scottish independence.

So much so that we will never stop speaking about it, referring to it, and thinking on how our whole country could be bettered by living in it.

How can we stop thinking of it every day when we see examples of real-life struggles which could be alleviated with independence?

Once again as SNP conference rolled around, our much-loved Scottish independence topic is on the agenda – the biggest question being what strategy we must use and how we will present it.

This decision wasn’t made lightly, and indeed there were many voices in the mix, each echoing the diverse thoughts and feelings of our members.

But that’s the beauty of democracy: we debate, we disagree, but in the end we find common ground in our shared love for Scotland and her people.

Our manifesto won’t be a document of promises. Instead, it will serve as but a definitive statement of intent: “Vote SNP for Scotland to become an independent country.”

This bold declaration on page one, line one, is our unwavering commitment to place Scotland’s fate into Scottish hands. Highlighting the direct correlation between Westminster’s rule and Scotland’s challenges will show the pressing need for change.

The manifesto’s demands also reflect immediate and practical needs, from employment rights to energy regulation. It’s about equipping Scotland with the tools necessary to address the cost of living and climate crises head-on.

Should there be continued resistance from the UK Government, the manifesto proposes a radical, yet democratic, alternative: using the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as a de facto referendum on independence.

I stand firmly behind the collective wisdom of our party, demonstrated once more during conference.

The SNP thrives on its democratic ethos, allowing a chorus of voices to contribute to our shared journey toward independence. I cherish this diversity of thought and the participatory spirit that pulses at the heart of our decision-making processes.

Take a gander at the Conservative and Labour parties and their conferences. They do not have members debating their policy, and the reason being is plain to see in their populist ways – chasing votes.

They were once predictable in where they stood. But lately, it’s like they’re leaves in the wind, swaying this way and that, chasing the gusts of popular opinion.

Look at Brexit, it’s been a mess. We’ve seen the fallout – businesses in a pickle, folks uncertain about their futures and let’s not even start on the headache that is travel now.

Through all this, the Tory and Labour parties have been flip-flopping their stances, trying to be the loudest voice in the choir without really knowing the song.

But the SNP? We’ve kept our tune. Independence for Scotland isn’t a new hit single we’re trying out; it’s our classic – an oldie and goodie.

It’s not about cutting ourselves off from the world; it’s about singing our part in the global chorus, clear and strong.

It’s making sure we’re the ones making decisions about our lives here in Scotland. We’re not about building walls; we’re about opening doors, so every Scot has a shot at a better life.

The amendment seeking more powers for Scotland? Undoubtedly beneficial. But anything less than full independence and I worried it might appear as if we’re negotiating the terms of our vision, potentially diluting the potency of our goal.

Independence for Scotland isn’t a concession to be bartered; it’s the very foundation upon which our future must be built.

This approach gives me a feeling to dig in the heels and go all in; the frustration of being subjugated really hits hard when I feel we must ask for anything less – but I know it’s just not how it works in the real world.

My wariness is anchored in the fear that settling for less now might blur the clarity of our message.

So, it is up to us for that not to happen, and to use the new fresh campaign for independence to ensure the message is clear.

We recognise that our battle is not just against Unionist opposition but also political apathy.

Our upcoming Scotland-wide campaign is an answer to this, designed to re-engage the disengaged. The SNP is more than a political party; we’re a movement driven by grassroots activism and a conviction to realise our aspirations.

In the quirky revelation about the secret musings over the Roman Empire, there lies a profound metaphor for our aspirations as a nation.

The Romans, in their time, built something extraordinary: they laid roads, established laws, and created a system that, for better or worse, shaped the world.

Yet their empire was marked by conquest and subjugation. As we people of Scotland muse daily about our nation’s future, our collective “empire” of thought isn’t about dominion – it’s about emancipation.

Our conversations about independence aren’t born from an obsession with nationalism in the narrow sense that our critics often ironically portray.

Instead, they stem from a deeply ingrained desire to empower every citizen, to lay the foundations of a society where equity and welfare aren’t just ideals but lived realities.