It’s fun to be in the SNP

Party boosts membership drive

Renfrewshire SNP opened its doors to new members on Saturday by hosting a fun day.

More than 120 people turned up for the event at the Renfrew Juniors ground.

The aim behind the event, which was organised by Renfrewshire MSP and SNP Chairman Derek Mackay, was to let local members – old and new – get to know each other and meet some of Renfrewshire’s parliamentarians and councillors.

Guests heard from a range of speakers including Mhairi Black MP; Tom Arthur MSP; deputy presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, Linda Fabiani MSP; Human Rights Lawyer Aamer Anwar; and Scottish Government Brexit and Constitution Secretary Michael Russell MSP.

Many of the SNPs Renfrewshire councillors were also in attendance.

Children who went along enjoyed face painting, playing football on the pitch and a bouncy castle.

In the last month, the Renfrewshire membership of the SNP has increased by 329, and now stands at more than 2,000.

Mr Mackay said: “The SNP is a family, and everyone – regardless of if you joined yesterday, after the independence referendum, or 30 years ago – is an equal part of that family.

“Since 2014 our local membership has rocketed, one in every 80 people in Renfrewshire is a member of the SNP and everyone who joined did so for similar reasons – they want to see Renfrewshire and Scotland become a fairer and more equal place.

“I hope the event has helped new members feel welcome and get to know everyone, and give those existing members who didn’t know each other before the chance to meet.”

Mhairi Black added: “The Tories Brexit power grab on devolution was the breaking point for many people in Scotland.

“This has seen SNP membership soar across the country and Renfrewshire has been no different with numbers continually rising.

“It was really great to meet so many new faces at our fun day for new members on Saturday.

“It is important that we hear as many new voices as possible as we look towards what Scotland’s future will be as the Westminster establishment continue to send us down a road to ruin.”

Tom Arthur said events like this were a great opportunity for folk to engage directly, and hear local and national representatives talk about the changing political climate.

He added: “We have a fantastic, active membership in Johnstone and the surrounding villages and new members have been warmly welcomed into the fold.

“The membership continues to grow here and across the country, with people keen to engage and volunteer their time.

“I had a fantastic day on Saturday meeting our new members in Renfrewshire, and I’m grateful to Derek Mackay for arranging this.”