CRINGE PARTY
Alba’s Bannockburn-themed campaign advert panned as ‘outdated’ and ‘embarrassing’
A CAMPAIGN advert from the Alba Party claiming it will “unite the clans” to win independence has been slammed for being “outdated” and “embarrassing”.
Alex Salmond’s new party released the Battle of Bannockburn-themed video at 12.14am yesterday on Twitter.
Scottish actor Angus MacFadyen, who played Robert the Bruce in Braveheart, produced and narrated the short clip, which was also released on the party’s Facebook page.
MacFadyen tells the story of how the camp followers of “sma’ folk” turned the tide of the Battle of Bannockburn by appearing at a vital moment on Gillies Hill as a fresh Scottish army.
At the launch of the short film, MacFadyen said: “This depiction is ever so slightly tongue-in-cheek but still makes a very serious point. It is the ‘sma’ folk’ or people power who hold the key to Scotland’s future. That was fact in 1314. It is true in 2021.”
The advert contains the following script: “Here wisdom and history. On the final day of battle between the forces of freedom, vastly outnumbered by those of the oppressor.
“In the year of our Lord 1314. Facing yet another defeat, King Robert ordered the camp followers to Gillies Hill where they raised their homemade banners.
“And searched for a fresh Scottish army and this demonstration of people power by the sma’ folk of Scotland was the straw which broke the spine of English superiority.
“And their prime commander Edward Plantagenet fled south. I know. I was there. I am the Bruce. And here and now people power will prevail again. Alba will unite the clans.” People took to Twitter to slam the advert, saying it was “some next level cringe”. SNP MP Pete Wishart called the advert “embarrassing”, tweeting: “Geez! We’re trying to win our independence through presenting ourselves as a progressive, modern and outward looking nation. “But let’s take up the rusty claymores and shout ‘freedom’.
Embarrassing.” Scottish Labour councillor Stephen McCabe said: “Thought the campaign has been suspended? Watching this it looks like time has been suspended for 700 years...”
Tory candidate Branden Davy said: “I see Alba really laying into the hatred of England and harking back to *checks notes* 707 years ago.”
Politics.co.uk editor-at-large Ian Dunt said: “Some next level cringe right here.” Nick Ward, director of
charity Autism Scotland, wrote on social media: “Omg omg this is the worst party political broadcast I have ever seen!
“It actually has me rolling about! ‘unite the clans’ – what clans?! You mean the rich magnates sitting on massive estates? ‘Sma folk’ – aye 2% in the polls is pretty small! Using anti English rhetoric = gross!”
Twitter user @RyanChristie8 wrote: “One of, if not the, cringiest video I’ve ever seen. Well done. ‘Civic & Joyous’ nationalism in full display.”
Labour MP Ian Murray said: “The mask – barely held on with sticky tape and string – has clattered to the floor, revealing the unpleasantness of Alex Salmond’s mob.
“Scratch the surface of many involved in Scotland’s nationalist movement and you reveal the bigotry beneath the surface.
“England isn’t the foreign oppressor and the English are not our medieval enemy. They are our friends, family and neighbours – and this kind of rhetoric deserves to be left in 1314.”
Pamela Nash, chief executive of Scotland in Union, said: “I first thought the Alba ad was a spoof, but sadly this is no joke.
“The nationalist mask has slipped; Salmond is making it clear that for him and his colleagues this election is a battle between Scotland and England. Their campaign is 700 years out of date.”