Wee Ginger Crowdfunder 2022

It's that time of the year again. I always approach the annual crowdfunder for this blog with considerable trepidation. Although I have a part time side gig with The National, this blog is my main full time job, one which I rely on more than ever since the stroke I suffered in 2020 has robbed me of the ability to do some of the other things I used to do to generate a lving wage, such as my Gaelic maps and giving talks about place names in Scotland and the complex and fascinating history of Scotland's languages.

Sadly I have had to come to terms with the fact that I am now permanently disabled. Following an NHS driving assessment I was told that I will never be able to drive again, even with a specially adapted car, and my mobility issues make using public transport challenging. I will not regain much in the way of meaningful use of my left hand and arm - which is especially difficult as I was very dominantly left handed before the stroke. I have also been left with a permanent lack of sensation and weakness in the entire left hand side of my body and bouts of debilitating fatigue. I have applied for PIP, but applications are currently taking months to process and I was warned that I may not get a decision until the autumn.

Although a lot of other jobs are now beyond me, I have taught myself to type with just my right hand, so have been able to maintain this blog.

Given everything that has happened in the wider independence movement over the past eighteen months or so, it is all the more important that someone continues to focus on making the case for independence and attacking the parties of British nationalism. We already have an overwhelmingly anti-independence media which delights in attacking the First Minister and the SNP. That's their job, not mine.

I remain convinced that Scotland will have another independence referendum at some point in the next year or two. The Scottish Government has recently made a number of announcements laying the groundwork for a referendum by the end of 2023. With support for independence at around 50%, it is crucial that we continue to highlight the hypocrisies and failures of British nationalism, the Conservative Government and the Westminster system, this is all the more important given the Conservatives' alarming attacks on democratic oversight. The UK is gravely in danger of descending into a British nationalist authoritarianism, from which Scotland must escape.

Until then, this blog will continue to publish articles which - I hope - are amusing, entertaining, and which help to educate Scotland on the need for independence. However in order to do so I need to eat and pay my bills. Due to my reduced productivity and the limitations imposed on me by my health, this year I am asking for half the amount I've requested in previous fundraisers. I hope to raise £5000 which will go towards supporting myself for the next year.