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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Adam Robertson

The best of Martin Compston on Scottish independence

LINE Of Duty star Martin Compston is well known for making his views on independence heard. 

He’s spoken to The National on numerous occasions on a variety of topics including the 2014 referendum and Gordon Brown’s constitutional reform plans

We’ve rounded up some of the Scottish star’s views on independence. 

Importance of 2014

Speaking to The National on the 10 things which changed his life, Compston said that the 2014 referendum was a key moment in his life despite his disappointment at the result. 

He described it as an “amazing time” as he seen people he never thought would be involved in politics have their say. 

“I’ve supported independence from a very young age”, he said. 

“On the day of the referendum I was walking down to the polling station in Greenock and I felt like I was walking on air. 

“When the vote was coming I almost didn’t want the campaign to end, it was just such an incredible time for Scotland. 

“In some ways, it’s very disheartening to be going through what is happening now [with Brexit]… if we don’t stand up now when are we ever going to stand up?”

A bright future

Speaking before the premiere of his recent Amazon Prime series The Rig, Compston said he hoped to see an oil-free Scotland in the future. 

He explained: “I think we’ve got to be very adaptable – I think we are. I think Scotland has a lot of talent here. It’s just taking those skills and those skilled workers and putting them into other industries.

“I think, hopefully we’ve got a bright future.”

The National: Martin Compston is the start of Line Of Duty and The RigMartin Compston is the start of Line Of Duty and The Rig

Compston added: “My colours have been nailed to the mast for a long time I don’t think it’s any surprise that I’m an independence supporter but I hope so. “We’ve got a long way ahead.”

He also suggested that Gordon Brown’s recent constitutional reforms won’t win over any Yes supporters as everybody had heard it all before. 

A case of ‘if not when’ 

Following the UK Supreme Court’s decision which ruled that Scotland cannot hold a second independence referendum without Westminster consent, Compston said it was. A matter of “if not when” the country became independent. 

In an interview with NME, he said: “The fact is the youth of the country are massively in favour of independence. 

“Politicians from Westminster want you to think ‘oh they’re all a shower of b*****s” and make you feel disenfranchised so you don’t vote but the youth are going to drive this thing. 

“I really do think it’s not a case of if, but when.”

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