Pro-Union campaign swerves celebrity to show the views of ordinary Scots

Published on 26/06/2012 00:00

THE pro-Union campaign made a deliberate appeal to ordinary Scots at its launch yesterday.

A short video of everyday voters – a minority of whom were members of unionist parties – speaking in support of Scotland staying in the UK was shown, before former Tory leader Annabel Goldie and Labour MSP Kezia Dugdale interviewed some of the participants on stage.

The aim was to get away from the glitz of the Yes campaign launch last month, which was dominated by Hollywood stars, poets and songwriters.

Miss Goldie said: “These people are not household names, they’re not celebs, they’re not politicians. They’re actually something much more important than that. They’re the real people.”

Among those who spoke were Stephanie O’Brien, an osteopath from Glasgow.

“I’m very patriotic and its because I’m patriotic that I don’t want independence,” she said in the video.

Rebecca Bernklow, who works in hospitality industry, added: “I know Scottish poems, I know Scottish songs, I go to Burns suppers, I like tartan. What makes me not patriotic? Just because I don’t want independence? We’re not in Braveheart, there’s a lot of other things going on.”

Brigadier John Macfarlane, a retired soldier, stressed the military bond.

“In the army, we are very proud to have such wonderful men and women,” he said.

“They show toughness and determination. They’re a wonderful example of British youth. For that reason we should want to stay together as the British Armed Forces, and pull together when the going gets tough.”

Adding some glamour, former Miss Inverness Ceilidh Watson spoke of her pride in being British, while Clyde shipyard worker Frank McNeil said UK navy frigates were being built Scottish yards, which were also involved in the building of a new aircraft carrier for the British military.

“As far as I’m concerned, on the Clyde, I’m really proud to be part of this business. I’m a true Scot and true British and I can honestly say that we stick together, we work together and we’re better together,” he said.

“As far as I’m concerned there’s no way I’m supporting independence in Scotland.”