Scotland in Union

Scotland in Union (SIU) is a Scottish unionist campaign, which launched in March 2015 to help keep Scotland within the United Kingdom. Its supporters include prominent unionists, both members of pro-UK political parties and people with no party affiliation. It is Scotland's largest and most active unionist campaign group, with 36,000 signed up supporters.[1]

Scotland in Union (SIU)
NicknameSIU
TypePro UK campaign/pressure group
HeadquartersGlasgow
Location
  • 272 Bath Street
Membership
36,000 (2021)[1]
CEO
Pamela Nash
Websitescotlandinunion.co.uk

History

Scotland in Union launched in March 2015, six months after the 2014 Scottish independence referendum in which 55 per cent of the electorate voted against the proposal that Scotland should become an independent country.[2] Initially, the organisation was led by its founder Alastair Cameron, a former Army captain.[2] In January 2017, Scottish Labour's former Justice spokesperson Graeme Pearson was announced as Chief Executive.[3] In August 2017, former Labour MP Pamela Nash took over the role.[4]

Campaigns

Scotland in Union (SIU) has campaigned via activities such as leafleting and street stalls, online presence, polling, and use of conventional media.[5][6] Online, SIU maintains a website, a Facebook page, a Twitter feed and an Instagram account. These campaigns have encouraged tactical voting against the Scottish National Party in elections.[7][8]

SIU has paid for opinion polling in Scotland on several occasions, with a particular focus on the question of whether people think Scotland should "remain in the United Kingdom" or "leave the United Kingdom".[9]

Events

Scotland in Union has held local political and social events across Scotland. At events across the country they have been joined and supported by politicians from across the main pro-UK parties including Anas Sarwar, Christine Jardine ,[10] David Mundell ,[11] Andrew Bowie, Mike Rumbles ,[12] Jackie Baillie ,[13] Murdo Fraser, Alistair Carmichael, Johann Lamont,[14] Ian Murray, Alex Cole-Hamilton[15] and Willie Rennie.[16]

Data theft

In December 2017, Scotland in Union reported to the police and to the Information Commissioner that they had suffered a data theft.[17] Subsequent to this incident, the Electoral Commission carried out an investigation of SIU's donations. Following the investigation, the Electoral Commission said it was “satisfied” that Scotland in Union had complied with its requirements.[18]

See also

References
  1. "'Don't want another referendum' Indy reality turns tide in favour of Unionists, says ex-MP". www.express.co.uk.
  2. Johnson, Simon (March 6, 2015). "Unionists can hold back the SNP 'if they act together'" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  3. "Ex-Labour MSP takes on Scotland In Union role". HeraldScotland.
  4. "Pamela Nash to lead pro-UK Scotland in the Union campaign group". www.scotsman.com.
  5. "Scottish independence rally planned outside SNP conference". The I.
  6. "'Referendumb' billboard unveiled by their activists as the SNP gathered for their party conference in Aberdeen". Daily Record.
  7. reporter, Libby Brooks Scotland (March 5, 2015). "Scottish tactical voting campaigns launch over SNP landslide fears" – via www.theguardian.com.
  8. "pro union tactical voting guide launched to thwart snp 5053534". The Scotsman.
  9. "Scottish Independence: Poll - majority of Scots will vote "remain in the UK"". Scotsman.
  10. "Scotland in Union's Glasgow Burns Supper 2020". Scotland in Union.
  11. "Scotland in Union's London Burns Supper 2020". ScotlandinUnion.
  12. "Scotland in Union's Westhill Meeting". ScotlandinUnion.
  13. "Helensburgh Scotland in Union". ScotlandinUnion.
  14. "burns night". ScotlandinUnion.
  15. "burns supper 2019". ScotlandinUnion.
  16. "Scotland in Union Twitter". Twitter.
  17. "Police probe security breach at Scotland in Union campaign". HeraldScotland.
  18. "Unionist campaign cleared after probe into donations". HeraldScotland.
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