Taking on the tartan monster of Scottish national identity

Independence campaigners are are using their creative talents to forge a new national identity, writes Ellie O’Byrne

BRAVEHEART, The Proclaimers, Billy Connolly: Scottish identity as reflected in pop culture and the media may seem fairly robust and distinctive. Yet in the lead up to next week’s referendum, a loose assembly of artists, writers, musicians and performers called the National Collective have been touring Scotland, drumming up support for the ‘Yes’ vote by using their creative talents to forge a new national identity for their dream of an independent Scotland.

Euan Campbell, 26, a student and musician from Edinburgh, is a founding member: “The National Collective is, essentially, a platform for people to share and spread their ideas,” he said.