Our aim was to create a new and refreshing take on the referendum. We’ve gathered various Scottish based artists, writers and musicians to illustrate their views on independence.

With only a few days until the vote, we wanted to create something more accessible, among the sea of heated debates and confusing articles.

It’s an exciting time and we want to show that democracy is more than a cross in a box, it’s about creative and active response.

Ruadhan Scanlan Lauren StephenLizzie Urquhart

Brogan McIntosh

Rachael Hood

“When I was travelling recently and people asked where I was from and I replied with Scotland, the warmth of their response showed me that Scotland has a lot to be admired. Dundee has developed immeasurably in the time I have been here, something I am proud to have witnessed. I would like to think that when I vote yes, my vote will count towards the future development of political structure and decision making in the whole of the UK not just Scotland. I am not voting for Alex Salmond, I am voting for a nation that deserves to be in control of it’s own destiny for once. A nation that has always been at the forefront of invention, it’s time for Scotland to reinvent itself and have control of all of it’s power, and that’s coming from an English man in Dundee.” -Adam Weaver

“Scotland’s independence referendum has demonstrated to the world that politics can change lives, and it can be worthwhile to stand up for what you believe in. With little over a week until Scotland goes to the polls, passions have run high on how the country should be governed. Yes voters have mobilised en-masse, as the prospect of self-determination has pierced the air of apathetic indifference surrounding British politics for decades. Regardless of whether Scotland elects to go it alone or remain as part of a 300-year union, there is hope that the decision will have stimulated a lasting legacy of political awareness in this country.There is an atmosphere of optimism surrounding politics for the first time in a generation in pubs, cafes, restaurants, and even in the streets as huge numbers of Scottish people prepare to cast their vote.That spirit cannot be taken away on Thursday 18th September.” -Marc McArdle

Ruadhan Scanlan

Chrissy Curtin

Paul Jon Milne

Ciaran Porter

Maja Jankowska

“At first, it seemed like a very difficult and complicated subject to get my head around with loads of issues that I knew nothing about. I’vealways seen Scotland as its own country and have always been disenchanted by British politics with decisions being made in a different country by people who have no idea what its like growingup in a scheme in Scotland and who didn’t seem to want know. It all seemed figuratively and literally miles away.

The more I looked into it the simpler it became and the more excited I became about waking up in a free and independent Scotland with its own government elected by its own people, like most other countries in Europe. If we vote yes then every vote we make post referendum will matter. That alone to me, is a good enough reason to vote yes. In my mind theres nobody that could have Scotland’s interests at heart more than the Scottish people. We would see that we could make a difference and I think that would be infectious. Because of this debate people are already more politically aware and that will continue. We wont accept anything except fairer and more just decisions that effect the majority of the people not just the rich and well off.

For most working class people in Scotland, times are tough and seem to be getting tougher. A change is needed to stop the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. If we don’t try it we will never know. If we fuck it up we will fuck it up on our own terms. I’m obviously no politician but from what I’ve read we have the resources and I know we have the talent and human potential to pull it off. For me, a vote for independence is a vote for hope and change.” -Kieren Webster

Sadie Joy Malan

Eliza Hopewell Williams

Chikenelly in the Ardler multies, plunking up the Law hill.Singing round the Resey, jumping in the Swany Ponds.Watching futba at Dens Park, adventures through the Miley. Drinking in the Shuttle Park, rolling down Balgay Hill.Pea busters at Dens Road Market, bags of Kelly in the Squarey.Carnivals at Riverside, staying on the Circular. Picking whelks when the tides out, trekking up the Siddys’ Running the Tay Bridge, sitting at the bandstand. Dancing in the Mardi Gras, all nighters in a closey. Dodging clothes lines through backie jumps, days out down The Ferry.This is my YouthThis is my Scotland Vote Yes

18.09.14

Holly Scanlan

Laura Glennie

Alex Nicholson

Pippa Loban

Lizzie Urquhart

We asked novelist Irvine Welsh his views on independence:

Lauren Stephen

Nina MacPherson

Alison Johnston

Luna Webster

Ellene Mash

Max GallowayJute City Jam

Chrissy CurtinMax GallowayLaura Glennie Rachael Hood Maja JankowskaAlison JohnstonPippa Lobban Nina MacphersonSadie Joy Malan Ellene MashMarc McArdleBrogan McIntoshAnna McLaughlin Paul Jon MilneAlex Nicholson Ciaran PorterHolly ScanlanEmma Slavin Adam Weaver Kieren Webster Luna WebsterIrvine Welsh Eliza Hopewell Williams

Special thanks to:

Dylan Drummond Mike Press

Ruadhan ScanlanLauren StephenLizzie Urquhart