THE SNP and Believe in Scotland have outlined how they’ll work together to strengthen the independence movement in signed a working agreement.
First Minister John Swinney and BIS founder Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Saturday in Blairgowrie which states they will "work together to advance independence as the democratic will of the Scottish people".
Both organisations said they will "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, 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.
The full Memorandum of Understanding between the SNP and Believe in Scotland is as follows:
The Scottish National Party (SNP) and Believe in Scotland (BIS), in recognising their shared commitment to delivering independence for Scotland, agree to work together to strengthen the case for independence, deepen engagement with the people of Scotland, and create a stronger, broader movement rooted in political leadership and grassroots activism.
Shared Mission: To work together to advance independence as the democratic will of the Scottish people.
Key Areas of Shared Focus
Where possible, we agree to collaborate on public messaging across key areas of shared focus to ensure clarity, positivity and the promotion of the benefits of independence.
The organisations recognise and commit to cooperation around:
- Convincing the public of the benefits of independence, highlighting the direct benefits to people, communities and Scotland’s wellbeing and prosperity.
- The sovereign right of the Scottish people to choose Scotland’s future.
- Encouraging civic participation so that independence is built with and for the people of Scotland.
Consultation and Engagement
Both parties agree to establish regular and structured channels of consultation between SNP office bearers and BIS representatives and, when appropriate, to share research, evidence and analysis relevant to strengthening the credibility and reach of the independence campaign.
Engagement with Wider Movement
The SNP will join BIS in building a wider platform for unity and engagement across the independence movement through the Scottish Independence Congress. Accordingly, the SNP agrees to support Believe in Scotland’s Independence Congress by providing delegates and speakers to the Congress as appropriate.
The Scottish Independence Congress will be open, transparent and inclusive, engaging pro-independence organisations across society, ensuring that grassroots campaigning and civic participation are formally recognised as central to the independence movement.
By bringing together political leadership with independence community voices through the Scottish Independence Congress, the case for independence will be broader, stronger and rooted in both trust and democratic participation.
Working Together on Independence Initiatives
The SNP will also support BIS Days of Action on independence – both organisations will communicate on Days of Action/Independence Campaign Days to avoid clashes. The SNP leadership will also support other Believe in Scotland campaign events and initiatives where appropriate.
Neutrality
Political party neutrality is key to BIS and the Scottish Independence Congress. The SNP acknowledges this and the parties agree that the Congress will uphold party neutrality, balance and fairness at all times.
Commitment
This Memorandum of Understanding reflects a shared determination to act in good faith, respecting each other’s roles, whilst uniting under a common purpose: delivering independence for Scotland.
By entering into this agreement, both parties demonstrate their intent to strengthen the independence movement by combining political leadership with civic and community engagement, ensuring trust, inclusivity and democratic participation guide the campaign.
