THE SNP have signed a deal with campaign organisation Believe in Scotland (BIS), marking a significant milestone in establishing a formal partnership to advance the cause of Scottish independence.
At The Blair Blether in Blairgowrie on Saturday, First Minister John Swinney and BIS founder Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which states they will "work together to advance independence as the democratic will of the Scottish people".
BIS, the leading campaign organisation consisting of 143 local and national Yes groups, regularly runs billboard and social media marketing campaigns alongside days of action across Scotland with targeted leaflets.
Both organisations have agreed to "share research, evidence and analysis relevant to strengthening the credibility and reach of the independence campaign".
They will also establish "regular and structured channels of consultation" between SNP office bearers and activist representatives.
BIS founder MacIntyre-Kemp said the newly signed MOU represents only the first step in rebuilding a united independence movement.
He said the collaboration between the SNP and BIS was a natural starting point, but added that other pro-independence parties and organisations have also been invited to sign similar agreements.
“It’s important that the dominant political party and the main grassroots umbrella organisation come together first,” he explained. “But we’ve already reached out to other political parties with parliamentarians in their ranks and had very positive discussions.”
The Scottish independence congress, , hosted by BIS, meets four times a year, with quarterly mini-congresses and one annual large congress. MacIntyre-Kemp said a mini-congress is expected in November or early December to plan the year ahead, followed by a fully inclusive national congress early in the new year.
“The congress is now going to be, we hope, the voice of the movement,” MacIntyre-Kemp said. “All the parties and organisations within the wider Yes movement will be invited to come together and join the congress.”
“We hope that will be a seminal moment for the movement — a chance to bring everyone together to discuss how we deliver independence,” he added.
MacIntyre-Kemp also emphasised that the Scottish independence congress will maintain strict political neutrality
“Political party neutrality is sacrosanct,” he said. “We’re not backing anybody’s manifesto or telling people who to vote for. What we’re saying is that we’re getting the Yes movement back together and back on the front foot.”
He described the agreement with the SNP as a “recognition of the vital role the grassroots will play” in achieving independence.
“It’s not just going to be political parties — this is about resetting our campaign, rebuilding momentum, and reuniting the movement. We want to get that 2014 Yes family feeling back and get ready to win.”
Swinney said the MOU signalled a "renewed moment of unity and purpose for the independence movement".
"I am proud to solidify our commitment to working with Believe in Scotland to deliver a campaign that empowers people across the country," the First Minister said.
“This is about more than political cooperation - it’s about building trust, broadening engagement, and ensuring that Scotland’s future is chosen by its people, for its people.
“More than ever, I am determined to galvanise our movement and, by working closely with Believe in Scotland, I know that we are strengthening our collective ability to make the case for independence clearly, constructively, and with purpose.
“Together, we are building a powerful alliance who believe in better for Scotland - and crucially, putting the voices of people across Scotland at the heart of Scotland’s future.”
We previously told how BIS confirmed a national march and rally in the first half of 2026.
The march will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 2-5pm under the theme "end London rule".
MacIntyre-Kemp (above) added: "Scotland can not wait much longer for its independence. Once we are independent, there will be so much that we can do to secure Scotland’s wellbeing and its prosperity.
"This agreement, I believe, marks a watershed moment for the independence campaign. The principle political party of independence and the grassroots led independence campaign umbrella body are seeking to collaborate to better communicate the benefits of independence to the people of Scotland.
"It's about resetting the independence campaign, rebuilding our momentum and most importantly reuniting the movement to get Scotland ready to win our independence."
Click here to read the full agreement.
