A couple of weeks ago, I did something the me of 2014 could never have imagined I’d do: I marched for Scottish independence.

Followers of my blog will know I was a no voter in 2014, but you might not know I suffer from social anxiety and the thought of walking with a huge crowd of people is pretty high on my list of Terrifying Things To Do. But I packed up my husband and my dog (not necessarily in that order) and hopped a train for Glasgow.

We waited to join the march as it made its way from the west end to the city centre, and our first sight of it, as flags and banners crested the brow of a steep road, was astounding. I couldn’t believe how many people there were. Nervously, we joined the crowd and began to walk. My sense of calm was immediate, and I was surprised to find myself welling up. I didn’t expect I’d feel tearful, but I knew what we were doing was important, and I was grateful to have the opportunity.

But why did I march? What did I hope to accomplish? Well, two things. Firstly, I wanted to send a message to the Scottish Government that we are still here, and that support for independence has grown, at least by two (luckily, we weren’t the only ones out to send that message). Secondly, I want to scare the shite out of Theresa May and her merry band of Brexiters and let them know that Scotland will not be taken for granted. The UK government has broken quite a few promises to Scotland in the last couple of years. They need to know that isn’t acceptable.

Did we accomplish our mission? I think we did. The Growth Commission has been announced and the Better Together folks have regrouped in an obvious state of panic. Both sides got our message, and I look forward to sending another from Bannockburn very soon.

Posted by:elizabeth

Trying to do better.

43 replies on “I Marched”

  1. Well done you. I was on the march with friends and looking around it was encouraging to see so many sensible looking people in one place.

    Like

    Reply

    1. I noticed that, too. Because we had a little dog with us, we jumped in and out of the march so she could rest. Each time we rejoined, there was a different group to march with – and everyone was lovely.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    2. I did notice a wee handful of not-very sensible types that day, but they were at least sensible enough to identify themselves wi’ their funny foreign flags and shouting “Steve hi y’all” or that’s what it sounded like. Couldn’t really hear of course. 😉

      But seriously, Elizabeth, I am so happy for you that despite the social anxiety, you made it!
      A protest march is such a surreal event, isn’t it? The recent one was my second ever (I don’t think getting p*ssed at a Rock Against Racism in a Southampton park in my youth counts) and my Minnesotan missus says we’re a very calm lot, when it comes to such matters. Listen out for her at the next one! I think the shouty wee Minnesotan and myself will be at Bannockburn – and hopefully many wee dugs too!

      Like

      Reply

      1. Was that the group shouting outside the KFC? We gave them a body swerve and kept moving forward.

        Having grown up in the States, I can hear another America accent a mile away! I’ll keep a listen out for you in Bannockburn.

        Like

  2. It was my first march too. I did vote yes in 2014 but would never have considered taking part in any kind of activism. That’s all changed now and I’m also looking forward to the next one. It feels good to make a stand for democracy.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  4. Fantastic!!, Courage is Grace under pressure… (Hemingway) And hope is a strong belief that things can be better… (me)…

    Like

    Reply

  6. Well done to all who took part especially the first time marchers hope it won’t be your last they are usually a good crowd and have a family atmosphere .
    Long may that be the case as it gets up there nose that they can’t get a rise out of us.

    Like

    Reply

  7. Well done! I was one of the Yes Bikers. I’ve been on most of the rallies. The atmosphere is electric. The crowds always make us feel very welcome, it’s really appreciated. I have said that I’d love to go on the march, but unfortunately due to arthritis I’m unable to walk any distance. But I’ll always be present in one form or the other.

    Like

    Reply

  8. I welled up just reading your blog, firstly because there is hope for us when No voters cross to Yes voters but having been on previous marches, I know that feeling of emotion on those wonderful peaceful, full of hope marches.

    Like

    Reply

  9. I was there with my daughter and her partner. I love the feeling on the marches . This was my third. It’s like being among yer ain folk. See you in Bannockburn.♥️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Thank you for sharing, the press that day described me as a serial marcher….which indeed I am….nothing fires the spirit more. Well done you all, see you in Dumfries, Dundee, bannockburn, Inverness 😁

    Like

    Reply

  15. welcome to the club! despite my obvious delight at your change of heart its nice to see someone who could truly be considered neutral in such matters realise and announce that far from the vile violent separatists the media portray us to be our movement is open inclusive and welcoming it would be interesting to see the BBC interview you but then again i am after all a dreamer

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you! I was interviewed by the BBC – twice. Once for the Sunday politics show and then I had an appearance on Victoria Derbyshire. And here is a sad confession – I was not good at all. But I did make a film called Journey to Yes with Phantom Power. I’m number 8 if you’d like to take a look. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

      1. i will actually have a look at that will be interesting to see in the meantime welcome again and get ready to enjoy the ride i believe a new ref is just around the corner and its going to be fun 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  17. I hear you live on Bute, as do I. Your story touched me as I too suffer from Social Anxiety and my first march was 2016….after which I felt WONDERFUL!! To be a part of the Grassroots Indy Movement is extra-ordinary, and at this time, OUR TIME, IS EXTRA WONDERFUL!! SAORSA!!

    Like

    Reply

    1. I wish I lived on Bute! We have a small holiday home in Kilchattan Bay and visit every chance we get.

      Did you find going on the march helped you feel a bit less anxious? I felt much better for a couple of weeks after. Indy marching as therapy. Who would have imagined it? 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  18. I’ve been in the SNP 29 years. I live 10 miles from Bannockburn. Never been at the march there. Not once. Shame! Ding! Shame! Ding!

    Said small dog is a sweetie btw.

    Like

    Reply

  19. It is so refreshing and encouraging to see so many people all trying to show that they no longer tolerate the lies and despicable actions of Westminster.
    In the past, if a person did not follow the London propaganda, they were made to believe that they were akin to “daft Bob”.
    Now the dafties jeer, wear and worship the Jack.
    I wish I could have been there but it’s a long walk from Northern Sweden.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Brexit has opened a lot of eyes to Westminster deceit and incompetence. I was a Radio 4 listener for years, but I can’t tolerate it now.
      I’ll wave a flag for you in Bannockburn. Being there in spirit is just as important.

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.