A different country

I've always wanted Scotland to be independent. For as long as I can remember, I have been aware of that. All those years of seeing my country short-changed by the London government, watching biased TV (it's not a new thing) wondering why the towns and villages round about me were decaying. I grew up in the 1970s - strikes, fuel shortages, planned power cuts - I remember bread being rationed at one point - two general elections in one year - 11 SNP MPs!   The first election I was able to vote in was 1979 - the year Mrs Thatcher came to power - I voted SNP, although I secretly wanted to vote for the Communist Party - if they had supported independence for Scotland, then I might very well have.
With devolution, the SNP vote grew, slowly but surely, and in 2007, they won the Scottish Election. I remember watching the tv with rising excitement - Alex Salmond, now First Minister, broadcasting to the nation, with the Saltire discretely in place in the corner of the shot.

But the thing I remember most about that night, was standing at the window in our old house, in West Lothian, looking out into the gloaming, at the familiar view, and suddenly feeling that it had changed, somehow - it looked exactly the same and yet -  it was like a different country. As if those 300 years had been rolled away, and the land stood, revealed, expectant and ready for what was to come.

By the time of the 2011 election, I was in a different country. Still in Scotland, but on the Isle of Lewis. The views around me were very different to the ones I was used too, although there were always the sheep. This time, the SNP won an overall majority, under a voting system designed to make such a thing impossible. With incredulous delight, I watched this drama unfold. That imperceptible shift I had felt at the other end of the country four years earlier had gained momentum.

And here we are now, still on Lewis, less than six months away from the Referendum on Independence, promised by the SNP after their election victory. If we vote Yes - two years from this very day, we will celebrate Independence Day.  

The steady movement is still there though, seven years on, that seed that we planted is growing taller, and spreading further, anchored by strong roots.

Today, people are being asked to state their reasons for wanting Independence. There are so many positive and hopeful ideas being posted on social media (look up #IndyReasons)

I have many reasons - a read back at some of my previous blog posts will tell you what they are. But, really, I have always known that it is natural for us to be independent. It has grown along with me and the buds are ready to blossom. Our land is ready for us - what a flourishing there will be. Vote Yes!