Proclaimers' Charlie Reid signed me up to SNP youth wing and now he's backing my Edinburgh Central campaign – Angus Robertson

Running for parliament is a major undertaking in any circumstances. However doing so in your home patch where you grew up is hugely exciting, although it seems so unlikely when I think back to when I first became involved in the SNP in 1985 at 15.

Charlie and Craig Reid of The Proclaimers with a young Angus Robertson (Contributed by Angus Robertson)

At that time, the SNP was polling 13 per cent, had two MPs and a Scottish Parliament was a pipe dream.

My first impression was less political than personal, it was about the people. I couldn’t have met a nicer group, all giving up their time for a cause that wasn’t as popular as today. Activism was a whirlwind of street stalls, leafletting, fundraising, volunteering in by-elections, meetings and more meetings. Today I am honoured to have the support of many of those most active Edinburgh Central members in my quest to become the SNP candidate for next year’s Scottish Parliamentary election.

My first-ever parliamentary campaign was in Edinburgh Central when I volunteered for the talented Brian Shaw. More than 30 years on, I am delighted to have his support today: “Angus Robertson is a great local candidate for Edinburgh Central, because it’s where he's from, where he grew up and where he joined the SNP 35 years ago. He was a great help when I was the Edinburgh Central SNP candidate and will be the strongest candidate to win the seat next year from the Tories and secure a pro-independence SNP majority. I'm very happy to support Angus for Edinburgh Central.”

When I first joined the movement it was with the Young Scottish Nationalists (YSN), and I was signed up by Charlie Reid, better known as one of The Proclaimers: “Along with my friend and comrade Brian Shaw, I signed Angus up for YSN in 1985. I’ve been proud to watch his progress through the party and through Scottish politics during these last few momentous years. Angus was a tremendous leader at Westminster and it would be great to see him bring his abilities to Holyrood. One day the Holyrood building will house an independent, sovereign Scottish government. We need our best people there and I hope Angus will be one of them.”

My involvement in politics wouldn’t be as long-standing and committed were it not for the inspiration and encouragement of activists who became firm friends. Ian Mackay is one of them: “When I moved to Stockbridge in the 1980s, I was fortunate to join an SNP branch with some model activists, Dave Williamson, Dougie Disher, Ian Chisholm, Dr Allan Macartney and Charlie and Craig Reid.

“When a teenage Angus Robertson joined us, it was a shot in the arm to a group which was already very active. His enthusiasm, drive, passion, impatience and ambition for our country was infectious. During my time as part of and convenor of Edinburgh Central CA, Angus was key to our political campaigning. If I am ever asked how I want an independent Scotland to be, I say smart, innovative, passionate and European. That's Angus Robertson.”

Angus Robertson, pictured this year, hopes to become the SNP candidate for Edinburgh Central (Picture: Lisa Ferguson)

Politics is about people as well as ideas and values. We are honoured to stand on the shoulders of giants who got the independence movement where it is today. Together with hard work we can win next year’s elections nationally including Edinburgh Central, then the independence referendum which will follow.

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