Here are some of the most significant major Scots activist groups, who since 2014
- working hard for Scotland’s future democracy.
Scotland Act 1998 – to give us a referendum.
Is Scotland colonised?
Liberation Scotland
Salvo
Believe in Scotland
Common Weal
Scottish Currency Group
Scottish Constitution Group
The National Newspaper
Pennie’s poems have more lilting lyrical musicality than her English poetry. Her poems pack immediate emotional directness and punch. She says it was all the grandmothers who kept the Scots voices and language alive.
Welsh Labour are proud of Welsh Gaelic and the Welsh flag. We cannot say the same of Scottish labour, would they stand in front of the saltire and speak in Scots Gaelic or Scots? There’s been a long story of religious divisions in Scotland – the divide and rule tactic of the empire elites.
She suffered dreadful trolling online abuse. For many years the Scots language has been treated as a ‘pretendy language’ and oddly often by hostile Scots, it’s a centuries old saga. Yet Scots have been historically influenced by their connections and trade to Flanders and Ireland.
II Back when James VI held a clan gathering on Iona, he insisted that the clans had their eldest son educated in England, and taught to speak ‘correct English’. This practice continues to this day, with the private school accents. All the assimilation, repression of cultural difference. In the 20thcentury English managers and middle class professionals came to Scotland – and Scots speaking workers were treated as second class citizens in their own country.
The opposite was true back after union 1700s though – the Scots were the workers of the British empire, when after Reformation many Scots were highly educated and there were more ancient universities in Scotland –
So what changed?
During the 1700s several poets wrote to keep the scots language alive - Allan Ramsey, Robert Fergusson and notably Robert Burns. Burns wrote in English, the language of his education in books. But it was when he read the Scots poems of Fergusson he was inspired to write in Scots, the language closest to his heart. His mother knew and sang all the old Scots ballads. Burns collected, added to and edited the auld Scots songs from his many Scotia travels.
English is of course the global language after the spread of the British empire. But crucially cultural diversity matters so much – both back in Burns day and today. We can have global trade and connectedness AND also have our own voices. We can have both. Why must it be either or?
For decades Scots children were rapped over the knuckles if they spoke with a Scots accent or belted if they used Scots words or dialects. Broadcaster Lorraine Kelly was initially told she must tone down her Scots accent if she wanted to be successful - and she thought why should I?
In the 1950s most radio and tv presenters spoke with a clipped Oxford English. Today we have many accents – yet worryingly Scots students attending Edinburgh university continue to be mocked for speaking with a Scots accent – and told to ‘speak more correctly’ by English private school students. When I travelled across Edinburgh on the top of the bus I heard English accents of students in brightly coloured blazers and thought, where are they from? Around 25% of Edinburgh students attend private schools. This creates an unhealthy two-tier society which holds many children back.
At Celtic Connections there are many hauntingly beautiful Gaelic singers
When Scots writer Billy Kay gave a speech in Scot in the Scottish parliament, he was ridiculed by many Scots. The usual Scots versus Scots. In Switzerland they can speak both local and high German languages – the two languages sit by side by side and not in opposition to each other.
Why must Scots chose a side? Religious wars are now centuries old – while the British Constitution of 1688 continues to dominate. Why cant we have English and Scots and Scots Gaelic alongside each other?
The Scots language is not merely a side issue – its crucial to our Scots identity and unique voice. Diversity matters.
**The Scots language has been recognised on Spotify – Iona Fyfe
Scots is now taught in Scottish schools.
Cultural History Disconnects
I had a big disconnect between my primary school and secondary school. At primary we had Scottish dancing, Scots poetry and song. Then at secondary we had no Scottish history, culture or music at all. Only English literature, history and music. Quite a strange disconnect.
Then I attended college down the cobbled royal mile Edinburgh, and wondered about all the history here – the Canongate Kirkyard, John Knox house, St Giles, Holyrood, the Grassmarket – and the castle.
Going to secondary school Edina, I travelled across the town by bus via princes street. I passed a statue to the Scotch Bard Robert Burns at the bottom of Leith walk each day. On the top deck there were many teenagers in brightly coloured blazers who spoke with posh English accents and I wondered where they came from. In Edina around 25% of children attend private schools.
No it wasn’t and isn’t an integrated melting pot at all but a stiff social hierarchy here. Back in the 60s though, young people had more options to go to study. Houses were built to offer greater social mixing, but that often hasn't succeeded. When people don't feel they have things in common, many put up defensive barriers.
Visiting Holyrood palace I once picked up a small blue book on the Stuart kings of Scotland. I became fascinated by the Scots history and stories. I visited the Scottish national galleries, with their many portraits of Scottish royalty. My parents were from Northern Ireland, so I was very confused, as no doubt they were too.
Film critic Mark Kermode gave a Front List talk with renowned Scots actor Brian Cox, and Scots actors Kate Dickie and Michelle Gomez.
Brian Cox spoke of his background; he is 88% Irish, 12% Burnt island Scottish. He was in both Braveheart and Rob Roy films – he said that Braveheart was a lie and the film didn’t make sense and they didn’t have kilts then. Wheras Rob Roy was a really well written script and had a wonderful director.
They discussed that all drama is politicised when you have a voice its important to speak up. Kate spoke of all the Palestine authors and shows at the festival (Put your soul in your hands and walk). She spoke of having to pretend that she lived in London to get work.
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| Mark Kermode |
Kermode asked about their Scots Identity
Kate spoke: “I love England as a neighbour, but if you’re roof is leaking, you don’t ask your neighbour to fix it.”
Brian: The boomers have dropped the ball and now we have to fight again. The horror of Gaza, Ukraine and Trump – we all have to speak up. There are good guys in America but they are not good with women.
We need good people: honest, true and good I don’t like Starmer. He doesn’t believe in anything, he’s closed everything down. Scots are authentic but have an inner depression. Scots are not boastful about what we’ve contributed. We should boast more for our self confidence. Scots are popular in America with many having Scots heritage. And by the way, Scotch is the correct term, and was used in Burns day! As is used by Scotch whisky too.
His new film Glenrothan will debut at Toronto film festival He said with directing you are a cog in the wheel, for everyone contributing. He spoke of troubled times at Edinburgh film festival, with tickets not selling.
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| Kate Dickie |
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| Brian Cox |
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| Brian Cox and Michelle Gomez |
The general ignorance of Scots history and contributions worldwide. How many Scots have heard of the “Scottish Enlightenment” – or have any idea what it was about? I’d guess only a few Scots have any idea at all. I’d never heard of the Scottish enlightenment until I attended at talk by historian Tom Devine. And I studied for higher History at school – which was all English history.
Ian Houston from Global Scots network - discussed the direct part Scots played in the foundations of American independence. The linkages and the connections.
Many Key Philosophical ideas came from the Scottish Enlightenment from 1740s onward and - " The social contract that government derives its power from the consent of the governed."
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| Declaration of Arbroath 1320 |
There are many opportunities for modern Scotland – with its progressive universities and social enterprise. To embrace opportunities, to be aspirational.
Houston said there is lots to be celebrated and all the diversity that exists in Scotland. He also said there ’has also been difficulties over the years in America with – the Bill of Rights, civil war, slavery.
However - The Edinburgh Film Festival has become “a festival made in London and then shipped up to Edinburgh Scotland”, according to Siobhan Sinnuck, the BBC media correspondent. She claims that all jobs and 90% of the Submissions are based outside of Scotland – with only one submission from Scotland.
How can this be a stepping stone for Scottish film makers? Or be key to offering young people opportunities. Also these festivals are backed and funded by the tax payer via Creative Scotland funds. Jobs are not available to Scots.
The BBC is also shutting down Scotland’s longest running soap, River City, another stepping stone here in Scotland for aspiring actors and film makers.
EFF 2025 offers -
“Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence” – and a world class showcase for independent films.
To embrace a sense of discovery, experimentation and cross-arts collaborations.
Wales has decided to improve the faulty supposedly PR (proportional representation) voting system given to its Devolved government in 1999, to a proper proportional system.
Wales is proud of their Welsh language and culture. Even the Welsh Labour party stands before Welsh flags and uses Welsh Gaelic! Imagine that happening here in Scotland?
By contrast Scots Labour stands in front of a Union Jack and is ashamed of Scots language and culture. They detest the use of Scots language or Gaelic in the Scottish parliament or in song.
Its the usual Scots against Scots fight – that was encouraged here after Culloden. Were you a Jacobin/ Jacobite or a Hanoverian? Was this divide and rule by the British state not employed in Wales too? Was in all about religion?
Protecting Scots Gaelic
Funding for Welsh Gaelic – 125m
Scots Gaelic- 25m
Irish Gaelic – 80m
Support for the Scots Celtic language is not enough.
Welsh Gaelic is their national language.
By contrast Scots Gaelic has become a regional language due to the suppressions after Culloden and since. There is BBC Alba in Scots Gaelic. Gaelic does offer economic potential
The Deliberate Forgetting
Scottish culture has been not just ignored, but deliberately suppressed by the British state. That’s my main reason for wanting Scotland’s independence. Especially not because I want to be nostalgic about the past – of the Walter Scott’s version of a "romantic Scot's past, lost and gone forever" - but of the living breathing here and now. The stories and songs that make Scotland unique in the world.
Hinterlands, so we are confused, what is going on?
Regrets over what might have been or could have been here in Scotland. Our voices lost. I read of our great poets and philosophers – from Dunbar, Duns Scotus, Buchanan, Allan Ramsey, Hugh MacDiarmid, and of course our national bard Rabbie Burns. The great Scots songbooks: rediscovered, reframed and renewed, and given a fresh and memorable voice. So many voices calling on the vibrant, challenging Scottish winds – that blow wildly on our rugged coastlines and empty shores and islands.
I visited the small coastal town of Montrose: birthplace of the Scottish renaissance 1930s. And then onto Arbroath Abbey and the stories of the return of the Stone of Destiny here.
The folk singers and folk musicians, play their melodies and lively jigs and reels at the folk festivals and folk clubs. Looking back and building on and also taking the song forwards. Its crucial to have a hinterland – it’s the strong foundations, clarity, visions,
Great artists instinctively know this.
At the Edinburgh book festival I hear many confused voices over the years I’ve attended. Debate and diverse voices are encouraged to broaden our outlooks. There can be controversy alongside a fear too. A fear of upsetting the voices of unionism. Guardian Sathnam Sanghera spoke of empire land; Kezia Dugdale recognised that Scotland is stuck; Lesley Riddick spoke of Scandinavia and better local governing; Irvine Welsh spoke of his personal journeys and successes and his dislike of imperialism; Ruth Wishart spoke of a free press. '
Nearly or over half of Scots support independence, but what does that mean? Indy in Europe? The picture is unclear. I try to hear as many and varied voices. Unionists feel brave and often speak up. While Britain feels broken and in chaos. Those in England have lost support for the Tory Brexit, then they lost support for Labour Change, and now turn to Reform, whose answers feel unclear and populist.
The many voices from the National newspaper: vary from the writers of art, culture, history, economists and engineers. Where is Scotland now and where is it heading and how do we understand and know the past? What are we afraid of? Scotland’s songs fill my head. Caledonia, Westlin Winds, Sunshine on Leith, Ye banks and Braes, Jock O Hazeldean, Scots Wa Hae, Auld Lyne Syne.
There are shoots and blooms of positive change – a new Scottish art galleries, national Scottish Theatre, National newspaper….This doesn’t mean inward naval gazing. But to be international, we must first be national.
A Scottish narrative – a sense of place, and understanding of Scots voices. Sunset song, Waverly, A Drunk Man Looks at a Thistle.
Voices that wonder, what unionism really means? Are we united? There is so mush talk of political failure on every side – how is this constructive at all? Where is the vision and creativity for the future?
I enjoyed reading the informed article 'The Scottish folk origins of Dylan’s best loved tracks', Ruairdh Mackenzie, Sunday National 15/12/2024
It reminded me that a few years back I was listening to a Radio Six Music program – Cerys Matthews: A Birthday Tribute to Bob Dylan, May - 2014
She was having a chat with one of Dylan’s legion of serious music fans. They were discussing the influence of British or Anglo-folk on Dylan’s music. Mathews asked whether Irish folk had a major influence on Dylan’s music.
The fan replied, “well apart from being close with the Clancy Brothers during their time in Greenwich village, not so much, but that Scottish folk music....." Mathews interrupted and stopped him, not once, but TWICE. And then she said, “Oh we cant single out one region of the UK for particular attention.”
I was very disappointed as I was looking forward to a discussion on Scottish traditional folk music’s influence on Dylan’s music.It took me aback and I thought, clearly those in England view Scotland as a region, merely due equal attention of other regions of England – say Yorkshire or Northumberland – and not a nation or country in its own right. This is truly shocking and clearly politically driven.
Afterwards I felt convinced there must be messaging from the BBC to the effect of – “any reference to Scotland as a unique or separate nation should be avoided. In all respects only the viable UK should be promoted as an entire whole – that is Wales, Scotland and NI are merely regions of the United Kingdom.” Of course I could be entirely wrong about this??! I did receive a response from the BBC asking where in the program I heard these comments.
Dylan’s early songs were adapted from Scots folk tunes – He wrote his early classis of ‘A Hard Rain a Gonna Fall’ based on the 17th century Scots border ballad Lord Randal. His ‘Times They are a Changing’ is based on Hamish Henderson’s Banks O Sicily.
Interestingly Mackenzie writes that when Dylan arrived in Greenwich village as a young 20yr old, he shared a flat with Scots singer Jean Redpath. She taught Dylan about Burns and Scots traditional music. “Giving Dylan the poetry and tunes to rise to the top of the New York folk music scene.”
On his 30th studio album Time Out of Mind, the final track is Highlands,
Well my hearts in the highlands, gentle and fair,
Honeysuckle bloomin in the wildwood air,
Bluebells bloomin where the Aberdeen waters flow
Well my herats in the highlands
I’m goonna go there when I feel good enough to go.”,
So ten years later I get some answers to the my questions over Scottish tradiitonal folk music’s influence on Dylan’s song writing! I’ve been studying both Bob Dylan and Robert Burns genius song writing over the past decade. Dylan later names Burns "A Red Red Rose" as the song that most influenced his work.
‘A Complete Unknown’ film with Timothy Chalamet, due out 17th Jan 2025 in the UK
Sunday National - The Scottish folk origins of Bob Dylan’s best-loved tracks
https://www.thenational.scot/culture/24795016.scottish-folk-origins-bob-dylans-best-loved-tracks/
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| Timothy Chalamet in A Complete Unknown |
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Scotland is not listened to III ….and neither are ordinary voices across the UK
(We need voices of Reform)
I have been told by some – ‘at least we live in a democracy’. But is it really I have to wonder? How is it? When Scotland’s voice and votes are ignored. Scotland has not voted Tory since the 1950s yet a Tory government has been imposed on us. Scotland has voted for an SNP mandate 8 times, who’s main purpose is our self-determination, which we are refused by Westminster.
After Quebec (Quebec is a region and not an ancient nation like Scotland) also voted in a close fought referendum in 1995, on their independence, Canada offered Quebec self-government and guess what, they actually delivered on their promises! Quebec state runs their own immigration, broadcasting, trade, economy, taxes and more. As do US states. Scotland does not control its immigration, broadcasting, trade, economy and more....In fact Quebec can hold a Referendum when ever they choose, plus they have protections for their Quebec culture and language. Scotland has none of these things – so how is this union consensual?
By stark contrast, before Scotland’s 2014 referendum, there were many false promises - vows even – that Scotland would have full self-determination, more business and industries, and be an equal partner (well by Gordon Brown, how was he supposed to deliver this full federalism exactly?) More like lies. Because none of their promises have happened and its even worse than that - devolution has gone backwards and into reverse with powers being taken away since Brexit. Its unbelievable all these ‘better together’ folks now telling us that the British state is failing us!
Anglo Scot Tory MP Michael Gove, says the union is or should be the UK governments top priority – why? Because of course they need Scotland’s resources to exploit. (Also with Labour’s GB energy plans) to exploit (again) Scotland’s resources, what’s in this plan for Scotland’s benefit?
Part of the issue is that the Scots vote for a centre left social democracy – while many in England still hanker after and believe in the empire days, class superiority, central control and trickle-down economics etc. Part of these divides here in Britain is the class-driven part, and is religious even (with Orangemen on the streets). It is not often addressed that Scotland’s independence is a complex set of issues and class is definitely a factor. Many middle class Scots feel they have more in common with the middle classes across England than with their fellow Scots. Many continue to believe the UK is a major global player.
However with regard to recent scandals, not only are Scots ignored, but ordinary folks across the British state are not listened to either. There have been so many scandals towards ordinary people trying to make a living here UK that have been totally ignored – Windrush, Grenfell, Sub Postmasters, Blood scandal, Waspi women. The truth of these stories of Broken Britain is also that people across these islands are not listened to.
And its only been getting worse in our fake British pre-democracy - of a broken voting system, where the crown is used for unlimited powers to the PM and is about an unassailable hierarchy and an enforced so called ‘stability’. One where the public’s ‘real’ concerns are often ignored – over Gaza’s genocide, tax havens, land reform and our resources being unfairly exploited.
Detoxify the political narratives – how do we do that? Who decides? So much flack and not enough truth and reality.
It seems that part of the problem is that for most people here in Britain and Scotland, including the political system itself, they have only known this highly centralized governance, unless they have lived elsewhere in the world and are able to see that Britain is the outlier here. This centralising British state is not normal. Journalist Lesley Riddoch writes that the route of Scotland’s independence is through giving all local areas a say in their futures. I recommend her excellent new book Thrive. She is an advocate for de-centralising and ‘real’ local government. We don’t need Holyrood to emulate Westminster!
The unionist’s negative media blitz on the SNP, have cast Scotland’s independence movement adrift and we must urgently take action. There has been enough dithering and delays. As some say this is a civil rights movement to protect our rights for economic justice, social justice, our rights to protect Scotland’s many resources, our right to democracy and self-determination. The Scottish people’s right to sovereignty. I’ve begun to wonder some, if not most, of the UK government’s belligerence towards Scotland is due to incompetence above all else. Britain’s media attempts to project a semblance of its ‘democracy.’ But the British state is a more subtle dictatorship: one where the power of the Crown in Parliament is abused, where there is little if any balance or opposition, an unworkable and undemocratic first past the post voting system, and one where anyone can be anointed to the second chamber (House of Lords). The voting system fails us all, where only a few marginal seats matter.
Top theorist Tom Nairn writes that broken Britain’s institutions are crucial to enforcing the myths of empire and crown stability – established with the all-powerful sovereignty of the 1690 British Constitution of the crown in parliament. I wonder after watching two TV dramas on the US Opiod scandal (Dopesick and Painkiller) when it took a photographer to fight for the Sackler name to be removed from major Art galleries – we are now living in a time of great exploitation by multi-national corporations and with corruption at high levels, Well done to Channel Four News for their scoop of Paula Vennell’s voice saying she knew about the Horizon failings way back in 2013. Globalization has many drawbacks.
A Sunday Times editorial April 21, 2024, was about the dreadful Contaminated Blood Scandal, much of it brought from US prisoners and drug addicts 70s and 80s. Medical records were falsified and children were knowingly given infected blood. Around 4,000 died with no compensation given. Tony Blair’s Freedom of Information act has led to cover ups with secrecy a sickness at the heart of Britain … “a culture of secrecy set the state against the individual. It makes it almost impossible for citizens to recover the truth and right wrongs. This contributes to apathy, spreads disillusions and encourages conspiracy theories. An official apology must be made. It’s a bloody disgrace.”
So how can this Broken Britain system be reformed? Labour are not a party of reform – in previous governments they have only tinkered at the edges and they view stability as the bedrock of the British system they support and are part of. Starmer’s ‘ordinary hopes’ and his aim to address the fallen myths of England are all wrapped in the union jack flag, really offers little. They’re part of the liberal elites.
We need to reach out to others across these islands who also believe in a modern progressive democracy. I saw this happening at the Break up of Britain conference. Voices across Britain are also being ignored and they recognise the need for reform and change – such as the academic Anthony Seldon who wrote recently in the Times about how Whitehall needs major reforms.
In Wales they are calling for more powers – in fact Labour in Wales wrap themselves in the Welsh flag and Welsh language, unlike Labour in Scotland who reject the Saltire! Ireland did not only want independence “for its own sake” – their independence was about wanting their land and resources for the people and not an elite. To protect all their rights as a free people and nation.
Independence isn’t given, it has to be taken. So we must act and act now. Labour set up fake devolution to stop indy and keep Scotland stuck. For the elections ahead the SNP need a positive message of hope for social justice, reform, education and for the empowerment of local voices. I agree with others, that we need a Constitutional Convention to galvanise the yes movement focus (why wait?) – in order to move the debates forward and to reach out to those crucial undecided. Also to find common ground. For many of us this is a fight for democratic rights.
The only real route I can see is for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland to take to lifeboats – sooner rather than later – there is a better way ahead. One where citizens at local level can secure their own futures and offer hope. The fight against the centralising control of the global elites is about smaller more adaptable nations. Being small is a benefit not a drawback, and Scotland’s is an average European state. Scotland has abundant natural resources and sits in an important strategic position.
I often wonder why Scots have so little faith in themselves to run their own country – as we once did. The most ancient in Europe. Why do we have so little faith? When once we led the world with enlightened thought and innovations. This is not about division – its about ordinary people being heard. Scotland’s independence must be about Scotland’s voice and the rights of ordinary people. Imagine a Scotland that could control its own resources!!
The Lubeck letter William Wallace, 1297, addressed the Hanseatic ports of Hamburg and Lubeck - that Scotland was open for business again, having defeated the English army at Battle of Stirling Bridge.
Many Scots in the 16th and 17th centuries travelled to the Baltic lands, north Germany, Prussia, Poland, Russia – The Scottish brotherhoods were set up in the Provinces and Polish-Lithuania Commonwealth.
Scotland is a northern island with close links and ties to northern Europe. The Orkney and Shetland islands are much closer to Norway than to London – both physically and culturally.
At Stromness museum, there are many relics from all the centuries of seafaring far and wide across the world. And the ancient Bogdnar of Ness, which brought people to Orkney many centuries ago.
Scots merchants funded Marischal Aberdeen college. As did Danzig merchant Robert Gordon. Craigevar castle, built with wealth by William Forbes. Scots pedlars, to ports in Danzig and Konigsberg (30K Scots families), they sold directly to people in the countryside.
Later Scots soldiers of fortune, travelled from north east Scotland and these soldiers were encouraged by James IV.
After the world famous Ossian poems 1700s – German aristocrats flocked to Loch Katrine And also after Walter Scott’s novels our Scottish Tourist industry started. Also the composition of Mendelsohn’s Fingals cave.
BOOK: The Scottish World by Billy Kay
Scots Gaelic singer songwriter, Kim Carnie, lead singer with Manran, performed at the Transatlantic Sessions, Celtic Connections 2024, #ccfest2024,
