The Launch
St Andrew's Day 2005 - Dynamic Earth

The buzz that was in the room as it filled to capacity launched the evening. More than a dozen latecomers—including The Scotsman correspondent—were refused admission in order to comply with fire regulations.

Under a huge saltire, the procedings began. The party leaders present—the SNP's Alex Salmond, the SSP's Colin Fox and the Scottish Greens' Robin Harper—excelled themselves by speaking, not just with passion of their reasons to be there, but also in measured tones of how they saw co-operation in those matters over which they did agree as vital.

But the stars of the evening were Civic Scotland. Professor Mike Danson spoke of the natural role that small countries like Scotland already played in the wider world and Joyce Falconer changed the pace entirely with a bravura performance of poetry and music that had the audience in full song and an upwelling of tears in many an unexpected eye. But the piece de resistance was delivered by Elaine C. Smith, who spoke eloquently of the need for an artistic voice for any country and how a proper country can give full flower to artistic voice. On the way there, the Scottish media came in for some grilling over the temerity of their coverage and she made an impassioned plea for maturity in coverage, such as could be achieved with a 'Scottish Six'.

At the conclusion of the evening, the speakers all signed the Declaration and were followed by most of the audience, who queued patiently to add their own stamp to an evening that felt like history being made.

St Andrew's Day, 2005 will have become a memorable event for the 250 people who packed the auditorium of Dynamic Earth to hear a wide variety of speakers outline why they were there and what their vision was for the future of their country.

Harry Ried addressed the Plenary on Tuesday 24th November

Former Editor of the Herald.
His subject was the Scottish Press and its future

Click here to see his notes

George Rosie addressed the Plenary on Tuesday 25th of August

Journalist, Broadcaster and Producer of the BBC Alba documentary Diomhair (Secret)

Click here to see his notes (PDF)

Let Scotland Decide Petition Launch
Parliament 24th January 2008

Celebration of Burns @ Oran Mor
27th January

The Land We Live In - First Minister Alex Salmond

Dougie McLean

Immortal Memory - Jimmy Reid

Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh (Deacon Blue)

Selkirk Grace by Dr Raj Jandoo

Toast To the Lassies - Andy Gray

Celtic Spirit

If you would like to view more pictures or order some please go to SMK Photographics

We would like to thank all the entertainment for their time.

Also a huge thank you to Collin Beattie, Helen and Simon our Matr'D at the Oran Mor for a wonderful meal and venue

Who Needs the Union?
Nov 10th 2006, Stirling

Four prominent Scots took part in a spirited debate on “The Treaty of Union – Who Needs It?” Harry Reid, the journalist, and Michael Russell, prospective SNP candidate for Dumfries, argued that the Union was dead and called for independence for Scotland. Anne McGuire, the UK minister for the disabled and MP for Stirling, joined forces with fellow Unionist Murdo Fraser, Tory MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, who spoke in defence of the Treaty as the 300th anniversary approaches in 2007.

The debate marked the latest in a series of initiatives by the Scottish Independence Convention to encourage debate on the Union.
The UK government appears anxious to turn the anniversary into a propaganda exercise in “celebration” of the Union – much against the wishes of popular Scottish opinion as expressed in the polls which show a majority for independence.

The picture shows, left to right: Murdo Fraser and Ann McGuire, Murray Ritchie, convention convener, who chaired the debate, Michael Russell and Harry Reid.

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