“Now Scotland”: Pseudo-left groups form new alliance with nationalist hardliners
Hardline Scottish nationalists and sections of the Scottish pseudo-left have formed “Now Scotland”, described as a “grassroots, non-party campaign”.
The new formation emerged from the All Under One Banner (AUOB) collection of Saltire-waving demonstrators who, pre-lockdown, held monthly marches in favour of an immediate second referendum on Scottish independence. A series of online meetings last year resulted in the group forming “Yes Alba”, before ditching the name in favour of “Now Scotland” so as not to offend Gaelic language activists.
The new organisation is an adjunct of the most pro-independence faction of the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP). Its purpose is to emulate the Yes Scotland alliance of the SNP, Scottish Greens and the pseudo-left Scottish Socialist Party, which mobilised nationalist campaigners prior to the 2014 Scottish referendum. Scottish elections are due this year. The SNP is committed to tabling legislation for a new referendum should it win a majority.