PRESS: about us
WHo we are
Germans for Scottish Independence, formed in 2013, are a relaxed association of individuals with very different biographies, motivations and objectives.
People from Scotland and from the German speaking world connect; Scots in Germany, Germans in Scotland, people who are interested in the respective cultures of those nations and those who have family or business connections between both countries. Some of us were there from the beginning, some joined over the years and others after the EU referendum in 2016.
The group is cross-party and democratic but without a definite hierarchy and individual members represent radical left wing as well as business orientated views. There are many different thoughts and ideas on issues like NATO membership for an independent Scotland, the future currency and the position of the Monarchy. However, the opinions and views of each individual do not necessarily represent those of the group as a whole.
Mutual acceptance and respect is our top priority, as much as Scotland’s independence is our consensus.
Nevertheless, Germans for Scottish Independence remain united by the progressive goals of the independence movement. In particular, we support the removal of British Weapons of Mass Destruction from Scotland, energy transition, peaceful internationalism, the safeguarding and expansion of social standards, free and classless education, a free and fair health system as well as EU membership and much more.
People with extreme right wing and/or nationalistic ideals are not welcome by Germans for Scottish Independence.
What we´re doing
Since the group was founded an official open Facebook page has existed which was then followed by a website. Through both resources we aim to inform about current developments in German. Both sites also provide a means through which we can be contacted, not only by any interested individuals but also by members of the press.
Since the summer of 2016 we have also maintained a private FB group for active supporters which is used for debates, information and to discuss organizational matters. Additional private groups operate for administration purposes and for discussion of specific topics.
This focus on social networks is an intentional approach as we are geographically wide spread yet work together over many borders. We also try to be visible outside the internet and work tangible and effective – for this reason are we planning a demonstration in Berlin.
There will be more activities in the run up to the German General Elections in 2017 during which our supporters will put pressure on the individual regional candidates with regards to Scottish Independence. More information on this will be available over the summer.
To be recognisable as a group we use our own, individual logo that features on all our internet appearances, letter headings, flyers and merchandising.
We have a great exchange of information, we build bridges and we are active on both sides of the North Sea. We want to be a mouthpiece for EU citizens threatened by Brexit and we will support the Scottish Independence Movement to the best of our ability.
We see ourselves as a part of this movement and stand for a peaceful and solidary Europe.
Marco founded the group Germans for Scottish Independence in January 2013. Since then he has become the administrator of a public Facebook page and of a private Facebook group with the same name as well as a website. Goerlach designs the materials for this group, edits videos and composes reports. Since 2013 he has also organised an annual action day to show solidarity with friends. Marco is the head of the group and connects everyone. He is also responsible for the merchandising which he designs, organises, stores and sells. Goerlach is a member of the SNP, as well as the intraparty-movement SNP Socialists.
Tony has been a social democrat since his youth and has always had strong leanings to the left. He spent his childhood in Germany and returned to Scotland in the early nineties. He pretty much joined the SNP immediately as an active member, as he had been interested in the Scottish independence issue from childhood on. This interest and passion has stayed alive into the present. Tony is an admin on the Germans for Scottish Independence Facebook page and the groups representative in Scotland. Apart form the subject of independence Tony also has strong interests in sectors such as nature and and the environment.
Sabine came across the group in the run up to the 2014 Independence Referendum and decided to join straight away. Being German, but having lived in Scotland since 2005, it was clear to her that Independence was the only logical development for Scotland. The 2016 EU Referendum has left her and her family in a very vulnerable position in Scotland and to her Scottish Independence is now more vital than ever because she might not be able to stay in her beloved Scotland.
Akin, an Oldgerman Shepherd born in 2010, is Marco’s best friend and also an administrator on the Facebook page and in the Facebook group. On their long walks Akin and Marco discuss the campaign and its next steps.