Am I to blame for Iraq War, nuclear weapons and Brexit? – Vladimir McTavish

Vladimir McTavish is starting to think he may be a jinx after marching in vain for causes from nuclear disarmament to Scottish independence and a People’s Vote.

People's Vote campaigners - Vlad among them - were ultimately defeated. Picture: AFP/Getty

I have never made a secret of my support for Scottish independence.

That belief has grown stronger over the last year, particularly given the current shambles that the UK finds itself in under the most untrustworthy Prime Minister in living memory, I believe the time is right for a second referendum.

Having said that, I was not one of the many thousands who thronged the streets of Glasgow on Saturday in the pro-independence march.

This was because I was down in London for gigs. However, with hindsight, I believe it was best that I wasn’t there. Not because I have stopped believing. Simply because my presence on demonstrations is becoming a jinx on the movements I support.

Over the years, it seems I always back the losing side. I demonstrated in solidarity with the miners in the 1980s during their year-long strike which ended in surrender.

In CND, I took part in protests against nuclear missiles on the Clyde. 35 years later, they are still there.

In 2003, along with another million people, I marched to show my disgust at the UK taking part in the war in Iraq. Tony Blair took no notice. Throughout 2014, I took part in marches and fundraising gigs in support of the Yes campaign. We all know what happened in September that year.

Last year, I took to the streets in support of The People’s Vote. Another glorious lost cause.

Ever the optimist, I’m going to keep marching. Next time we will win!