Convenor: Maggie Chetty

 

Teacher, married, former Chair of Communist Party of Scotland, ex-director race equality in West of Scotland. Long-standing anti apartheid activist, republican, independista and proud mother of two gorgeous gals!

 

Secretary: Andy McColl

 

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.

Deputy Organiser: Raimond Dijkstra

 

Raimond is a Dutch national, living in The Hague. He joined the SNP right after the 2014 referendum. Because he wanted to do something for the fight for Scottish independence. Joined online groups aswell, amongst  which, the Scottish Resistance. And in 2016, he founded Netherlands for Scottish independence. And in april of 2017, he organised the first march and rally for Scottish independence in The Hague in the Netherlands. And has organised one every year since then. The last 3 years in a virtual manner, due to the covid situation.

 

In 2021 he left the SNP and joined ALBA, after being asked to be the point person for ALBA international Branch, which he gladly accepted.

 

 

Member of International Branch Committee

 

Born in Craigtoun and grew up in Buckhaven & Methil.

First jobs were delivering newspaper, stacking supermarket shelves, then working for 'The Arts in Fife' as a Community Arts Worker and as a Stage Manager.

Did some amature singing/drama, went to study at the RSAMD in Glasgow, then worked for 27 years as a professional opera singer, including moving to Switzerland in1991. 

Always very interested in politics and Scotland. At the age of 17, after wanting to join the SNP and not even getting a reply, briefly joined the SDP (while it existed). 

Eventually joined the SNP in 1998, but became disillusioned because of a lack of progress towards Scottish Independence and resigned after 23 years, joining the ALBA Party when it was founded in 2021.