how the referendum is affecting one scottish comms person

It's dominating debate in Scotland and could have a siesmic effect on the rest of Britain. Here one public sector comms officer writes about their frustrations about not having a voice because they are politically restricted.

by Anonymous Communications Officer 

So far the impending referendum hasn’t affected my work – it’s my personal channels of communication I’m finding tricky to navigate.

I’ve never been known to keep schtum about much, especially if I’m passionate about something and I’m passionate about Scottish independence. To me most of the economic and political arguments from both sides are complete hogwash – no one can possibly know the outcomes. To me the vote is all about Scottish identity and creating a Scotland for my children and grandchildren, not about how much better or worse off I’ll be.

I work in a politically restricted post and it’s really difficult not to jump into conversations on social media and tell it like it is. It’s difficult not to share and retweet things I agree with, although I’ll admit to the odd Facebook share. It’s impossible to attend debates in community halls and not clap, cheer or boo. It’s been difficult to resist sharing nudge tips with activists out in the street when passing by. I can’t wear a Yes badge or put a sticker in my car window.

For the first time in my life I haven’t had a voice and that has been an interesting experience. It has highlighted the plight of many voiceless people around the world. I may not be able to voice an opinion but at least I get to vote.

We’re expecting an 85 per cent turnout on September 18 so my job will get interesting after that – how do we keep those people interested enough to make the effort to get off the couch and come out to vote at the next election, whatever that may be because if all goes well the people of Scotland won’t have to vote in the UK parliamentary election next May.

Interesting times.

The author is a communications officer in the public sector in Scotland.

Never miss a post. Sign-up for our weekly email round-up. You can do that here.