Aly Bain backs Yes vote
by Unknown - 10:02 on 05 August 2013
Shetland fiddler Aly Bain has backed moves by Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles to have more decision-making powers, and explained why he thinks folk in the islands should vote Yes in the referendum on independence for Scotland.
Speaking ahead of his near sell-out concert with long-time musical partner Phil Cunningham at the Orkney Arts Theatre on Friday evening, Aly said: “I think it would give the Scottish Government much more powers over how traditional industries such as fishing and farming are run. If you look at how successful the Norwegian fishing industry is compared to ours then to have a government that cares about its traditional industries will obviously be of benefit, because Westminster doesn’t care about them.
“I hate being a province; Scotland is a nation, and it should take responsibility for its traditional industries. We need to take the chance to vote for independence rather than to keep blaming England for everything. If we have a proper government in Edinburgh looking after our traditional industries then we can have proper representation at the top table in Europe, rather than having to delegate a civil servant to represent us. We should have a real say in Europe about what we want for Scotland.”
Aly said that he was supportive of moves for Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles to have more powers, something that is being sought through the Our Islands – Our Future campaign, and which will be discussed at a conference in Orkney next month.
He said: “And I think the Scottish Government agrees with that, and that’s another reason to vote Yes.”
He was also keen to point out that the referendum debate was not about personalities.
“One thing that people need to understand is that this debate is not about Alex Salmond, it is much wider than that. When we get independence, then people can vote for who they want; this is not about personalities now, it is about nationhood. We are a progressive nation, full of progressive politicians and we can run our own affairs.”
Yes Orkney campaigner Robert Leslie said that Aly’s comments in support of more powers for the islands were encouraging given their timing in terms of the Our Islands – Our Future campaign and the Scottish Government’s response.
He said: “With the Scottish Government having pledged in Lerwick last week to set up a ministerial working group to explore opportunities to increase decision making powers for the islands, it is great to hear one of Shetland’s most prominent sons speaking so passionately in favour of independence. Hopefully more folk from Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles will follow his lead and make their voices heard on a positive future for the islands in the weeks and months to come.”
Aly’s comments in Orkney follow on from his message of support to the Yes Shetland Public launch in Lerwick on July 25. In that statement, read out by a family member as Aly and Phil were already on tour, he said:
"I believe that with Westminster political parties being almost indistinguishable from one another Scotland has a unique opportunity to form a new kind of democracy with independence.
“I believe that all decisions regarding Scotland internationally and at home should be made by people living in Scotland that have our nation’s interests at heart.
“For too many years of my life I have lived under Westminster governments who neither I nor the majority of Scottish people voted for and I fail to understand how this is acceptable.
“I hope that the Scottish people have the confidence to vote for themselves and ignore the scare mongering tactics that are being used by the opposition which I personally find insulting.
“As a musician who has played in every nook and cranny of Scotland, I see a nation full of confidence with a strong identity, unique culture and a great sense of justice; a truly wonderful foundation for any nation.”
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