Alba, Alex Salmond’s new pro-independence political party, has claimed an unusual – and unlikely – endorsement ahead of May’s Holyrood elections: Robert the Bruce.
In a video urging Scots to ‘Unite the Clans’, Braveheart star Angus Macfadyen – a vocal supporter of independence – tells the story of how “sma folk” turned the tide at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, propelling the Scots to victory over Edward II of England.
“I see the emergence of Alba as an underdog upsetting the established parties and making possible an overwhelming victory for independence at the polls,” Macfadyen said, in a statement accompanying the video’s release.
“This depiction is ever so slightly tongue in cheek but still makes a very serious point. It is the ‘sma folk’ or people power who hold the key to Scotland’s future. That was fact in 1314. It is true in 2021.”
Salmond – who is urging Scots to vote for an independence “supermajority” next month – said it was “great” to have Macfadyen on board. “Alba, at two weeks old, is Scotland’s fastest-growing political party and with Robert the Bruce on our side, the other parties should start to tremble,” he said.
📜 King @RobertTheBruce endorses the @AlbaParty.
— ALBA Party (@AlbaParty) April 11, 2021
As in 1314, it will be the 'Sma Folk' who will win the day for #Scotland in 2021.
For the independence #Supermajority, make your #ListVoteALBA pic.twitter.com/bVAJvyFWoy
Others, however, were less impressed with Alba’s requisitioning of Scottish history. Here are some reactions.
BREAKING: Loch Ness Monster has said she will not be joining the Alba Party, branding Alex Salmond's new party a "pile of homophobic bam-pots". Of her long-time colleague in Scottish Tourism PR, Robert the Bruce she added "He always was a rat. Stabbed a bloke in a church once".
— John McKee (@John_McKee) April 12, 2021
"I once spoke to Robert The Bruce, he told me he's voting Alba on the list" pic.twitter.com/qXRSMWrc9D
— Kenny Downes (@downes_kenny) April 12, 2021
I know @AlbaParty are seen as regressive, but I wasn't expecting to be dragged back to the 1300s.
— David Paisley (@DavidPaisley) April 12, 2021
Related: Protests as black man shot dead by Minnesota police officer in traffic stop
Since you are here
Since you are here, we wanted to ask for your help.
Journalism in Britain is under threat. The government is becoming increasingly authoritarian and our media is run by a handful of billionaires, most of whom reside overseas and all of them have strong political allegiances and financial motivations.
Our mission is to hold the powerful to account. It is vital that free media is allowed to exist to expose hypocrisy, corruption, wrongdoing and abuse of power. But we can't do it without you.
If you can afford to contribute a small donation to the site it will help us to continue our work in the best interests of the public. We only ask you to donate what you can afford, with an option to cancel your subscription at any point.
To donate or subscribe to The London Economic, click here.
The TLE shop is also now open, with all profits going to supporting our work.
The shop can be found here.
You can also SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER .
