Andy McColl

International Branch Secretary 

I've been a long time lefty (since as far back as I can remember), having been indoctrinated by my father. (Sometimes I wish he'd kept me ignorant all those years ago!). Campaigned for a left-wing party in the 79 election, and was at the count at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow aged 16. Realised in the 97 election that the UK (I prefer to call it the disUK) would never again vote in a leftist party (the majority of the English having been bribed over to the side of the establishment by Thatcher et al), and that the only chance to create a progressive political landscape in Scotland was to escape the Union first.

Joined the SNP and campaigned vigorously for them, especially in 2014. Worked with Rise at the time, to get the word out to the generally disenchanted and disinterested youth. Thought that Alex S had made a masterstroke after the indyref handing the reins to Sturgeon. 7 years of increasing disappointment with the lack of direction on indy almost broke my resolve, but Alex coming back to relight the fire of the diehards in the movement sparked me into life again.

I live in the SW of France (It's a long story, involving falling in love. Twice!) It's not the kind of socialist country I'd prefer, but it's certainly socially aware and offers hope that a modern western capitalist country CAN be socially cohesive and not follow the Anglo-Saxon model that England will not turn its back on in the next 50 years. When Scotland finally DOES regain its independence, I look forward to heading back to help Scots create the better country it will become. My son (also Alex) is studying at St Andrew's Uni, and my fight is for him and the future for all our progeny. He is, of course, with us in spirit, although his studies come first right now. In the meantime, I do what I can from here.

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