New independence group launches with the promise of a “different tone” to campaigning

A new campaigning body promising a different approach to gaining support for Scottish independence has been launched by the Scottish Independence Convention.

The Scottish Independence Convention (SIC) said the new organisation, Voices For Scotland (VFS), will be “a new, non-party civic organisation campaigning for Scottish Independence”, with a focus on engaging with voters who are undecided about independence or about their support for the UK government. 

Speaking at the launch event in Edinburgh, convenor Elaine C Smith stated that Voices For Scotland “would not be an echo chamber” and promised “a different campaign with a different tone, not just speaking to those who are already there” in terms of their support for independence. 

Warning parts of the 2014 campaign had been dominated by “shouty men in suits”, Smith said VFS would provide a “safe space” for discussion and engagement, and the organisation would be “the gathering place” for the independence movement.

Smith concluded that “conversations with people you trust” were the most effective form of campaigning for independence, “not rammies with political parties”, and VFS would offer a “non-threatening, non-judgemental conversation”.

Dave Thompson, the new chair of the Board of Voices for Scotland, said: “To win independence, our movement needs to open conversations with people who are unsure about our constitutional future. We need to listen to their fears and hopes for our country. The more we listen, the better we will be able to provide answers, reassurance and build confidence. That's what Voices for Scotland is all about. We also want to support those already campaigning for independence with materials and resources which will help people to have the most impactful interactions possible.”