Yes campaign for independence holds packed meeting in Dunfermline

The Dell Farquharson Centre in Dunfermline recently hosted a packed Yes Scotland meeting. Around 200 people of all ages came together to share a vision of “a fairer, more prosperous” independent Scotland.

Yes Scotland Chairman and former Labour MP Dennis Canavan headed the panel, while former SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville, a director of the Yes campaign, convened the meeting.

Prominent independence supporters from across the political and business spectrum – including solicitor Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, Allan Grogan of Labour for Independence, Trade Unionist Derek Durkin and international businessman Ivan McKee from Business for Scotland – took a range of questions from the audience.

Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker posed a topical tongue-in-cheek question: “Does the panel think an independent Scotland will need Trident nuclear weapons on the Clyde to protect us from North Korea?”

As expected, Mr Canavan replied in a rare negative from the Yes campaign.

Commenting afterwards, Mr Walker said: “The panellists agreed they were all seeking a fairer, more prosperous Scotland than can ever be achieved under Westminster rule, a view with which I heartily agree.

“Yes Scotland encourages healthy debate on tactics and priorities, but supporters of Independence unanimously agree that release from London control is now absolutely essential for social and economic progress in Scotland.

“The meeting this evening has been very positive and buoyant. It concluded with a standing ovation after a rousing final speech and call-to-arms from Dennis Canavan to achieve Yes for Scotland!”

Panel (from left to right): Dennis Canavan, Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, Shirley-Anne Somerville, Derek Durkin, Allan Grogan and Ivan McKee

Dennis Canavan addresses the meeting, with Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh (centre) and Shirley-Anne Somerville (right)

Front row of audience from left to right: young entrepreneur Angela Bailey, SNP Cllr Kate Stewart (West Fife and Coastal Villages) and Independent Dunfermline MSP Bill Walker