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
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