Fancy a stroll up to Calton Hill?

[ggreig]

Next weekend (21^st September), I'll be in Edinburgh, taking part in the second of three annual marches in support of Scottish independence.

If you read my account of last year's march, you'll know that as, generally speaking, a non-activist, I found it quite enjoyable. If you fancy coming along this time, it would be good to see you there, and good numbers will help to sway public opinion. As far as I can tell, support for a "Yes" is higher than most of the media would have you believe, but still trails a "No". However, about a third of people are still in the “Don’t Know” camp, so visible public support does matter. Poll reporting is often phrased in a way that may encourage you to assume the “Don’t Know”s support a “No”; make sure you check the actual numbers. If you support Scottish independence, don’t let the Catalans put you to shame!

This year's march begins at noon next Saturday, and is from the High Street to Calton Hill. More information on places, times and travel at the official web site.

Comments

have fun

[scottymcleod.livejournal.com]

In Edinburgh and on the march, I'm hugely behind Scottish independence as you know

[silverwhistle.livejournal.com]

a) I'm going down to Hull in order to set off to Italy with Dad;
b) I'm opposed. We haven't been given the best option, which is more devolved powers and an extension of devolution to other UK regions. I think it would be wrongheaded short-termism to jump at a 'Yes' faute de mieux. There won't always be a Conservative UK government.

[ggreig]

Hope both of you enjoy Italy! I know you did last time, though I fear for the donkey population if ravioli's on the menu ;-)

Being opposed is also a pretty respectable reason for not going! I know we discussed this when I posted about last year's march, and I think it's something where we may just have to agree to differ.

I think greater devolution could be an answer, but it's not going to happen. The other parties - not just the Tories - went pretty much as far as they were prepared to with the Calman Commission, and made that further clear by failing to put forward any sort of devo-max proposal when the door was held open for them to include it in the referendum. And now they're not even prepared to propose an alternative scenario for us until after we've said no to the only one on offer? Not much will happen without change in the rest of the UK, and the rest of the UK doesn't want it. And if we say No, there'll be no leverage for further change.

I'm probably more than half way through my life. If I vote No, there may not be substantial change within my lifetime. If I want to do my small bit to try to make Scotland a better place, I have to act now. Sorry if that's a bit short term ;-)