Last night the magnificent Phantom Power had advanced screenings of his latest documentary Beyond Brexit. The quality and amount of content he has produced in favour of Scottish Independence is quite breathtaking. There can be no praise high enough for his contribution to the independence cause.
I would also commend the ISP for their recent spate of very professionally produced short videos. They have ranged from a simple introduction to the party right up to the intricacies and vagaries of the Holyrood voting system. They have also done region by region voting breakdowns to help and encourage voters. This week they also had an excellent video exposing the hypocrisy of Sir Keir Stammer and the Labour Party’s latest rehash of their Federalism nonsense! They have also been very clever with both their Facebook and Twitter accounts.
I think for a fledging party launched during the Covid pandemic they are to be congratulated in producing such extensive and professional media. They have used the only medium open to independence political parties at present and exploited it to the fullest.
Likewise, I would like to heap praise on to Broadcast Scotland who every single day promotes the independence cause on a limited budget and with little or no recognition or outside help.They produce some outstanding programming.
When doing a review like this how could we possibly forget the input by Indy Live that have broadcast to us daily and attended any live events over the past years to bring the independence message to those unable to attend on the day.They have also offered their platform to other pro Indy individuals to relay their message to the YES Movement.
Aye Right Radio a show I have myself been on that have for years now been promoting the independence message faithfully to their audience. They are unique in searching out stories and characters you might otherwise have never known existed. It all adds to the fight for our independence.
The Twa Auld Heids the very epitome of everything I love about our wonderful Yes Movement. This unique pairing brings their weekly vlog to us with the most interesting of guests and topics. They too even had me in one week, they must have been short of interesting that particular week. I did though share that platform with some other Indy media stalwarts. More about them later!
We have Tommy Sheridan a man I have a great deal of time and respect for though we may have our differences in shades of policy(and footy) we both agree on the need for Scotland to be independent. Tommy works tirelessly and both vlogs and blogs.
We have several Podcasters like myself. I get a great kick out of my Through A Scottish Prism Podcasts. As the introduction states ‘everything we say here is viewed through a Scottish Prism’ I have had some magnificent guests and the information my listeners and I have gleaned has been invaluable to both the movement and me too.
There are other Podcasts out there Jeggit, Wee Ginger Dug, Leslie Riddoch all pushing and promoting the Scottish independence cause. All from different angles but all with the main thrust of Scottish Independence at their core. Usually weekly, these shows bring our movement information, hope, and sensible discussion with a few laughs thrown in along the way.
Then we have the pro-indy bloggers an often maligned group of characters. When mentioning bloggers you have to begin with the main man. Stu Campbell of Wings Over Scotland fame. The man that holds the Scottish media to account every day. There is no better investigative journalist on either side of the constitutional debate.His articles are legend and who can ever forget the impact of the Wee Blue Book during the referendum campaign? The wonderful essays of Grousebeater. The number crunching of James Kelly at Scotgoespop. I do not believe any opinion poll until after I read James’ summary. The thinking man’s blog of Jeggit, such a gift with the English language. The insider view of things by the highly readable Iain Lawson and his YoursforScotland site. The thoughtful and media accountability blog of Dr. John Robertson, Talking Up Scotland, the blog the BBC fears most. The wonderful prose of Peter Bell another man with a wonderful writing style. The huge intellect that is Ambassador Craig Murray with his insightful and thought provoking articles. Munguins Republic with his mixture of amusing, nostalgic and downright irreverent content. Wee Ginger Dug’s eloquence flies off of every sentence. I couldn’t possibly do a review of the huge contributions of the pro Indy new media without mentioning Ken McDonald of IScot Magazine fame. Such quality and variety in one magazine is no easy feat, he manages to maintain that quality month after month. I am almost embarrassed to put this lowly blog aside such giants and such fantastic talented individuals. I am in awe of every single one of these contributors to our nations struggle. I bow my head in respect to them all. I have been fortunate to meet several of them, and I can vouch for those without hesitation. The ones I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting I look forward to that time when I can shake them by the hand. One I might though shake by the throat. 😁😁
What of our guiding star the political wing of the movement, the SNP? In this last year while the people above I have mentioned and others have been bringing you a daily diet of pro-independence broadcasting, podcasting, essays, information and ideas. What have the SNP Communications team been up to? They do after all have access to more money than the entire collective I have mentioned above. They employed a ‘giant’ of the foreign owned media in Scotland, Murray Foote of Vow and Daily Record fame. He heads up the SNP Media team. They also appointed the Deputy Leader of the Party to rebut the MSM and broadcasters lies and smears.
What have they produced this past year? The best that can be said is, not a lot.
It seems the only things they have done is give the anti-Scottish MSM a £3,000,000+ financial stimulus and a platform at the daily briefings to attack the SNP Party leader and the YES Movement. Now they even snare her when she is attending a private funeral. I have to say you are not getting a great return on investment Nicola! Neither is the YES Movement!
The only rebuttals we ever see or read seem to come from the pro-indy bloggers not the SNP. However, when it comes to the SNP, the pro Indy media are ignored and worse still treated with contempt and disgust by a great many of the SNP elected officials and employees. I can wager that the MP for Perth and Perthshire will have all but possibly two of the ones mentioned above blocked on social media. He and the MPs affectionately known as The Three Stooges spend more time attacking pro Indy bloggers and women on their own side than they do in attacking the union and Unionists.
I know I can speak for my fellow pro-indy media colleagues when I say this, a magazine, blog, vlog, podcast or broadcast doesn’t just happen, it takes time, effort, thought and not a little skill too. It takes dedication to let us keep you informed, entertained and included. I feel it is part of our duties to make everyone feel included in the struggle. I think our political leaders have forgotten that crucial fact.
All of that massive talent above and not once has the SNP called upon it to deliver even a press release. Once in a blue moon Broadcast Scotland gets an invite to a daily briefing to ask one question. The only political party that sends me press releases are the ISP. I publish them as they are sent. I do not in any way edit or comment on their articles. I do not ask Douglas Ross or Willie Rennie for their opinion on the release. I bring that party’s message to my readers as the ISP want, no slant, no agenda by me. I offer that very same ‘service to the SNP, Scotia Future, Solidarity, SSP and AFI (if they ever get through the Electoral Commission.) My blog is open to any independence party. I am certain my fellow pro indy colleagues would be similarly minded.We have a hugely talented resource here.Why the SNP are not using it to their full advantage is a mystery and I believe a huge mistake. Another upside, unlike the Britnat media the pro Indy media are not looking for any financial stimulus or handouts. We certainly won’t be turning up at any funerals! We do this because we believe in the cause, not to pay the mortgage.
In the coming weeks and months, Scotland is going to be fighting for its very survival. I would humbly suggest to the SNP as the largest part of The YES Movement, utilise everything at your disposal. You cannot afford to leave any stone unturned, any avenue of defence or attack against the dark forces of unionism needs enlisted by you now. Do not let stubbornness prevent you from doing what is right for the cause.
Cause before all!
I appreciate I have not mentioned every single Blogger or Podder out there. I apologise to any I have not mentioned by name. I applaud you all, each and every last one. You are all helping to shape Scotland’s future.
Another excellent article. You are right up there with the best of the bloggers Roddy so take a bow.
Is Foote still employed by the SNP – SNP media team – what do they do? Was it Foote’s idea to give the Britnat media millions?
Have a nice Xmas.
Thank you for your kind words and support it is greatly appreciated.
When one sees the wealth of talent and commitment on our side laid-out , as you have just done , it both inspires hope and induces deep frustration at the SNP Gov’s abject failure to utilise such a tremendous resource , rather than , as it does , pander to an entirely dishonest , hostile MSM , whilst treating the cadre you refer to at best as an irritant , at worse , an enemy to be vilified , unbelievable myopia , straight from the Ministry of Self Inflicted Harm . I would like to thank all of the individuals and groups named , yourself included and I would add an honourable mention to the many perceptive and passionately commited BTL commenters whose contributions are a much valued part of the ongoing process of liberation ; in particular , the redoubtable Lorna Campbell , whose analysis of the implications of the GRA have shed real light on this most contentious issue and whose comments on any subject are worthy of respect and consideration . 2021 will , one way or another , almost certainly prove to be a watershed , personally , I have serious doubt it will bring us the much longed-for opportunity to choose our liberty – though I sincerely hope I’m wrong about that – but should bring clarity to the question of exactly how commited the current SNP leadership is to fulfilling it’s true purpose and if it can be trusted to deliver , or if another vehicle will be required . Only time will tell .Peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year to yourself Roddy and everyone . Cheers
“Stu Campbell of Wings Over Scotland fame. The man that holds the Scottish media to account every day.”
Not any longer. He has now become the man who (from his base in England) holds the Scottish government to account everyday. The work he has done in the past was fantastic but he needs to push his swollen ego to one side and have another look at his current priorities.
His blog has become the go to place, the primary source of information for Unionists who seek to damage the SNP and oppose independence.
If you can point to a, single thing he has, written and published that is incorrect I will gladly amend my post. Part of the remit of being involved in this is telling the movement the truth. That at times might be uncomfortable for some people. I too have been critical where I felt necessary. The SNP leadership need to own their own mess and conspiracies.
Indeed Roddy . WOS posts this year have made for very uncomfortable reading , no doubt about that , but if anyone doubts either the truth contained in them or Stuart Campbell’s honourable intention by stating them or his undiminished commitment to the Independence cause ( he has done as much and more for it than just about anyone I can think of ) they need to take their head out of the sand and start to appreciate the value of his contribution . We don’t expect superhuman ethical purity from our Leaders but we should not be condoning the shady Banana Republic-style evasions and manipulations only the most wilfully blind could fail to acknowledge have surrounded the ” Alex Salmond ” case in particular and the series of missed opportunies to progress our cause , ” sitters ” blooted over the bar , in general . We DO expect better than the continuation of the self-serving politics which have characterised Westminster since time immemorial .
I didn’t say that he was incorrect in anything and I am not here to defend the SNP. I am merely questioning the wisdom of relentlessly seeking information to damage them.
Letting down the tyres on the only bus travelling to an independent Scotland is not the best way to get us there.
He should perhaps apply himself to rattling the skeletons in the Westminster cupboard. I mean they are surely much more visible and there are many more of them. When we get independence he can attack the Scottish government to his heart’s content.
Perhaps then he’ll even consider living and voting here. ;o)
You are suggesting no matter what SNP do legally illegally misappropriate money, conspire to have an innocent man imprisoned on trumped up lies, remove women’s human rights stop campaigning for independence, we should remain silent Wheesht for Indy on steroids. Sorry I disagree completely Stu Campbell has done more for independence than most including Peter Murrell and the rest of the wastrels in Party HQ, the lying alphabet women the GRA bullying zealots. Those have all harmed the cause. The polls are where they are because of the Tories incompetence, corruption ,Brexit not anything done by SNP.
Everything that Wings rights about is inter-connected.
Occasionally, very extremely occasionally, he writes something that i disagree with where he doesn’t give any evidence. It is almost always been about 2 words.
Incredible even those 2 or 3 words turns out to be correct. What did he have against the Greens, i thought. And now look. I don’t agree with his fossil fuel argument although i see his reasoning. Even that made me think. Could fossil fuel for a very limited period be used to finance a green revolution in and Indy Scotland?
Then the trans issue. He rarely blogged about it so it was his twitter in which i was first introduced to it. It seemed important and didn’t disagree with what he wrote but i skimmed most of it. He must have had some insider knowledge because turns out that even without the SNP infiltration these were not fringe, issues they were our children and vulnerable women under attack, fighting for their very existence.
If you and the faithful can’t see the interconnectedness i despair. if these were minor issues which weren’t directly hindering independence they could wait. We really don’t want to divide the vote on the republic, or even the EU. But the issues that Wings uncovers are all related to the blockage against Independence. They that hard turd you can’t evacuate.
Every utterance of NS and the SNP elite confirm that they haven’t got a clue how to handle the Torys. I am in an almost permanent state of anger that they are not preparing for the Tory attack on Scotland which is bound to happen.
My MSP, Michael Russell has told me in e-mails on other subjects that he believes that reasoned debate is his golden rule. Every day i watch reasoned debate and every day i feel more and more impotent and frustrated.
When Denise Findlay talked about ‘not my kind of politician’ she was speaking her words out of my brain and thousand of others, certainly everyone i encounter.
This is the Chamberlain moment and the SNP are waving a piece of paper with nothing written on it.
They never speak or act like we are an Independent nation. We have to change our whole mentality and they just aren’t doing that. They have Stockholm Syndrome.
There is one caveat to what i have written and that is the corruption within the SNP and civil service and institutions it is entangled with which Wings is exposing.
I cannot and will not ignore corruption and illegality, even if it did impinge on the Indy cause. That would be price that would have to be paid. Humanity has to be higher even than Independence. We can’t build Independence on a corrupt foundation. As it happens i don’t believe this is the case. Again the corruption scandal is entwined with that hard turd. In fact if it hasn’t been managed by MI5 to help the Union then MI5 should dismantle immediately. Either way we can’t ignore it, we have to lance the boil. The only way to do that is to get to the truth. Anyone who thinks Wings is wrong to do that, seriously needs to get their head examined.
Damn ‘Everything that Wings writes about’.
Also double damn today, for engaging with Scoot again, a decision i made 3 days ago not to.
As I was saying …
“His blog has become the go to place, the primary source of information for Unionists who seek to damage the SNP and oppose independence.”
As Ruth Davidson was saying yesterday …
‘From his base in England’.. When the SNP start pursuing independence rather than former First Ministers and unpopular policy maybe then Stuart Campbell will once more produce the type of anti-Westminster material he’s renowned for? He’s sick to the back teeth, as we all are, having to discover our efforts in the last 6 years have amounted to little more than the Party’s dramatic swing to the right whilst slowly being exposed as rotten and in-bred.
In the meantime, you disrespect his efforts by disrespecting his determination to get-shot of the dead wood and dubiety in the Party. By your reckoning, Scoot, we should all just shut-up and let the party hierarchy take our money whilst pushing Scottish independence right off the top of the board?
If “Independence is no longer our priority” is acceptable to you, pal, then maybe you’re more closely aligned to Labour’s view of a powerful Scotland?
As I said on Xmas day …
“His blog has become the go to place, the primary source of information for Unionists who seek to damage the SNP and oppose independence.”
As Ruth Davidson said yesterday …
“https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85Wk1yqEuz4&feature=emb_logo
Well said Roddy. Would it not be a good idea for yesers and snp voters to contact their msp’s and mps as to why they Don utilise the pro Indy media??.
Also how about son members getting in contact with the new members of the neck to address this folly with the leadership??.
I for one absolutely love reading your blog, you can feel your love & need for INDY in every word you write. I also listen into your through a Scottish prism. Many great guests but none so enlightening as Dot Jessiman.. I am sure she opened a few eyes to the goings on within the SNP today. Without our INDY bloggers I think we would never be hearing or reading anything about INDY these days. So keep doing what you are doing for us people on the ground. Informing us, & not ignoring us as the main INDY party prefers to do..
Have a VERY MERRY Christmas…
Excellent post, Roddy.
We’re lucky to have such a wide variety of individually creative and productive bloggers in Scotland, all producing their own version of information and advice.
Of which; it sometimes takes me a while to catch-up, but I very much enjoyed listening to your interview with Douglas Chapman last night (painting cornicing in hall..) I was greatly encouraged by his pro-independence attitude, inspired by his enthusiasm, transparency and vision – it was like pre-2014 all over again. Sigh, I remember the Salmond SNP was like this. I hope to hell Douglas can influence our direction and once more the chant can be ‘Independence Nothing Less’.
Thanks for your sterling efforts, Roddy, both on your blog and on your Twitter account.
Have a great Christmas and 2021. All the best to you and yours.
Yet another great blog and I must admit, although I read most of the contributions from the people mentioned, I had never stopped to asses just what a wonderful array of talent we have in the movement.
As for the SNP , they are simply a disgrace and the sooner the Murrels are removed the better. To me they are actually anti-independence . I can put no other construction to their actions or inactions over the last 6 years. Carry on the good work Roddy it is most appreciated
Again Roddy I concur with every comment (apart from SCOOT’s) , and you RIGHTFULLY have your place amongst them , the never ending and tireless work that these independence truth sayers and posters puts in on our quest for independence , puts Foote’s , Brown , and Robertsons activities totally in the shade if not irrelevant , I have heard you and read your questions repeatedly regarding the SNP’s GIFT of £3 million to the MSM whilst ignoring the REAL efforts and accomplishments of our unsung hero’s of independence , it is a disgrace and questionable how ANY right thinking person could consider this appropriate or even acceptable , we Scots are denigrated and abused daily by these corrupt organisations yet our SG sees fit to finance these DESTROYERS OF TRUTH , Change MUST come and as a start a declaration publicly by the FM that the 2021 HR election WILL BE a plebicite election
“You are suggesting no matter what SNP do legally illegally misappropriate money, conspire to have an innocent man imprisoned on trumped up lies, remove women’s human rights stop campaigning for independence, we should remain silent”
No I’m not. Classic strawman argument.
That is exactly what you suggested. Read it yourself.
“That is exactly what you suggested. ”
If that is the case why did you see the need to explain it in your own words? ;o)
But it’s the season of goodwill. I hope you are having a good Xmas! :o)
BTW I think his blog yesterday illustrates my point quite clearly.
https://wingsoverscotland.com/christmas-troll-of-the-year-2020/
He interprets Nicola Sturgeon’s Tweet of a picture of a rainbow bauble on her tree as a some sort of woke symbol. The bauble is actually the NHS rainbow as sold by John Lewis.
“This colourful bauble features a bright rainbow, the symbol of support for NHS workers. 25% from the sale of this bauble go to the charity NHS Charities Together supporting NHS staff and volunteers caring for Covid-19 patients.”
But no, he puts this interpretation on it because it matches his current agenda. This is not holding them to account. This is not investigative journalism, this is just malevolence.
Your comment was precisely that Wings should ‘remain silent’ about ‘what SNP do legally illegally misappropriate money, conspire to have an innocent man imprisoned on trumped up lies, remove women’s human rights stop campaigning for independence.’
Roddy is paraphrasing you. Solid wood/brick man there.
He just gave you a mirror. It is up to you to take a look.
You can be damned sure that the enquiry, set up by NS and ehemm with her full support, are examine Wings posts in great detail and will be using them.
Are you saying the enquiry should not be supported? Why is it a problem if Wings helps the enquiry? Do you object to anyone helping an enquiry to get to the truth or only Wings?
“Your comment was precisely that Wings should ‘remain silent’ about ‘what SNP do legally illegally”
No it wasn’t or to use the words that the rev would have used, “Was it ****!”
I have already said that I am not here to defend the SNP. All I am doing is questioning the wisdom of this relentless [[[and very public]]] campaign to inflict maximum damage on them.
Hopefully justice will prevail through the enquiry but whatever happens it will do nothing to encourage more people to support independence. That to me is quite unsettling. The lead that we enjoy in the polls right now may disappear as quickly as snow aff a dyke.
You are still pushing the Wheesht For Indy nonsense.
Notice you didn’t answer my questions?
I look forward to the inquiry and to the truth being revealed whatever that may be.
I just don’t think relentless and obsessive campaigning against the SNP is such a good idea. His interpretation of the post on the NHS rainbow on Nicola Sturgeon’s Xmas tree was quite disturbing. The comments on this illustrate that I am not alone in thinking this. His work has been great in the past, his character? Not so much.
If he can help the enquiry find the truth that’s fine but what he is mostly demonstrating now is his hatred for all at the top of the SNP and he wants to make this as public as possible. That will only damage the cause of independence.
You can call it wheessht for indy if you like but the reality (and I am not condoning it) is that there is not a political party anywhere in the world that does not engage in dirty work. There is not a political party that does not tell lies.
Bloggers like Campbell and BHB often throw the dummy out of the pram when anyone questions their opinion. It’s surely not wrong to occasionally hold a different opinion and question what they are saying? I have a record of more than 50 years supporting independence. I ask a simple question here and get accused of being a Unionist FFS!
(Block me if you like. It’s your ba’.)
If as you say you have been campaigning for SNP for 50 years I will know you. Email your details branch etc I began my campaigning in 1970 after joining party in 1968.it is inconceivable I wouldn’t know you if what you say is true.
It is worth noting that not even the Scotgovs own lawyers were willing to go ahead with the disgrace that was the persecution of Salmond and said they would remove themselves from the judicial review if the Scotgov did not concede the case. The Scotgov conceded the case. Things have got to be bad when your lawyers are saying we do not want to be associated with this. As each bit of evidence is revealed the mountain of evidence grows bigger that this was a malicious and evil attack on Salmond.
The recent letter by Fabiani to Murrell should be enough to make any honourable person in Murrells position resign. It’s time the NEC acted – he is an embarrassment to the SNP.
Merry Xmas to all.
Well done on some great blogging, and it’s impressive to see the line-up of talent we have on our side.
In my opinion, if the SNP have any plan, it can only be waiting until Jan. 1st to show it. If they don’t declare that now we have been taken out of the EU against our will, the people will have a say on it. Then announce a date for a vote. If they don’t do something like that, then I will sadly have to accept they have become a party of devolution.
Terence it is taking you a long time to accept something is wrong with the SNP leadership.
“If as you say you have been campaigning for SNP for 50 years ”
I.did.not.say.that!
I said I have been “supporting independence for 50 years”. I was also a member of the SNP but I cancelled my membership earlier this year because I disagree with current policy, or lack of it.
I won’t be emailing you anything. I have given you my opinion. Whether you believe me or not is of no consequence.
I don’t believe you actually and your evasive meally mouthed reply shows I am right to be sceptical and suspicious.
I’m surprised with the ease with which you slipped into insult mode during this “debate”. I’d have put you above that. If you recall all I did was ask a question and it was a serious question.
However if that’s what you prefer I would like to try to see things from your point of view. Thing is, I can’t get my head that far up my arse.
Oh I am sure you can when you manage to drag yourself away from the mirror.