Henry’s Cellar Bar, Edinburgh – Thursday 18th September
On Thursday the 18th September 2014, the people of Scotland voted on Scottish Independence and Sacre Noir played a show to celebrate the end of this incredible campaign at Henry’s Cellar Bar with some of our favourite bands.
Referendum Meltdown Party
It was a great night although the atmosphere was edgy as everyone was nervous about the result. The first return wasn’t expected until 1am at the earliest we all enjoyed the time away from media coverage.
Sacre Noir live at Henry’s Cellar Bar – September 18th 2014
Photo of Sacre Noir by Murray Ramone. All other photos by C.Beattie
In London tonight, our good friends Dressmaker are releasing the vinyl version of the EP ‘Glass’ so in support Alexis and Phil wore their Dressmaker t-shirts!
Alexis and Phil showing support for Dressmaker
Alexis and I arrived home just before 1am and stayed up watching the results come in, growing less optimistic as the totals moved between “yes” and “no”.
I had to get a few hours sleep as I had been called for Jury Duty on the morning of Sept 19th.
I voted YES because I believe that an Independent Scotland could be a fairer, safer, more democratic country with a social conscience and a genuine sense of community.
I woke up heartbroken.
I cried for the opportunity we had lost. I cried because the bullies and liars had won the day. It would seem that this free and democratic country, in which we all live, (the United Kingdom) that we have been subject to the most disgusting media bias, backed up with propaganda, lies and fear-mongering. I know some people who voted “no” and did so for their own reasons. They were not swayed or persuaded by the fanciful promises that came within the final days of campaigning, and that’s totally cool with me. I cried for the people who voted “no” and genuinely believed the promises made by Westminster, one of which has already been broken. The Better Together / UKOK / No Thanks campaign promised in their ‘promotional’ material published on September 9th, that on “19th September: The day after a No Vote the timetable for further powers will be published as a motion before the UK Parliament. All UK Parties will support the motion.”
It is now the 22nd September and there has been no timetable published, in fact the debate has moved away from “extra powers for Scotland” and towards “extra powers for England;
Mr Milliband says “the focus should be on new powers for the English regions”
(BBC website 19th September 2014)
Mr Cameron says: “We’ve heard the voice of Scotland, but now the millions of voices of England must also be heard. The question of English votes for English laws, the so-called West Lothian question, requires a decisive answer.”
(LondonNews24 website 19th September 2014)
The message to Scotland is loud and clear; “you’ve spoken, now be quiet again.”
The scenes in George Square on the evening of Friday 19th September were disgusting and only confounded my fears of what might happen regardless of which way the country voted; anger and violence from drunk, career thugs, looking for a fight. Union Flags waving to choruses of ‘Rule Britannia’. The Guardian reported on Saturday 20th September that loyalists had attacked pro-independence supporters;
“Six arrests as young men shout loyalist slogans and racist abuse and appear to make Nazi salutes, as well as chanting Rule Britannia.”
On Sunday the Herald reported;
“Police Scotland yesterday said the number of arrests had risen to 11 for various offences including disorder, breach of the peace and vandalism.“
I’m sure this is not what anyone voted for and it certainly does not represent the fairer, safer, more democratic country with a social conscience and a genuine sense of community that I’m sure we can still achieve. This vision was shown in George Square on Saturday when thousands of bags of food were left for Needy charity campaigner Andrew Carnegie who was delivering a speech about peace.
Moving on…
In the days since the Referendum results were confirmed I have been very upset and can’t say I’m not still devastated to find my views are so out of kilter with such a large portion of the people in Scotland. I have always been a proud Scot but found myself wondering what this actually meant now. My version of “being Scottish” and my hopes for Scotland’s future, are all based on my own experiences, my upbringing, my struggles, successes and so many other factors that I’ve been exposed to over the years and these haven’t changed as a result of this vote.
I decided yesterday to do something positive and joined the Scottish Socialist Party, who I’ve supported in the booths (when possible) since I have been able to cast a vote. I thought about joining the Scottish Green Party (inspired by a friend of a friend) but in all honesty I’m a Socialist and if this referendum has taught me anything, it’s to stand up for what you believe. The Scottish Green Party (and Patrick Harvey in particular who was very visible on both TV and on the ground) were amazing throughout the Referendum campaign and I have every respect for the work they do, and I will continue to support the Greens whenever I can.
Many people have decided to take action in this way, with all three YES parties receiving thousands of new member applications in the wake of the NO result. I’m sure the future can be bright and positive for all the UK’s countries and hope that the turnout in future votes (whatever they may be for) can be as high as we saw for this important question.
I will finish this post with a quote which has brought a different light to my view of the last few days;
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” ~ Mark Twain
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