Yes campaign chief f ires f inal shot

THE leader of Yes Scotland brought his campaign to a close yesterday after failing to convince Scots to support independence.

Chief executive Blair Jenkins, who retreated from public life after the victory for Better Together, yesterday sent a final email to supporters, urging them to join the SNP or another pro-separation party.

Both Yes Scotland and Better Together were set up to run for the duration of 2014 as the date of the referendum was not known when they were formed.

Mr Jenkins, a former BBC Scotland news and current affairs chief, was with the organisation from the start – although he was largely sidelined by the SNP in the latter stages of the campaign as insiders became increasingly frustrated with his campaign group.

Deputy director of communities Stan Blackley, who was ‘dismissed’ earlier this year, has claimed Yes Scotland ‘was dysfunctional’ and lacked ‘leadership, strategy and resource’.

In his final email, Mr Jenkins wrote: ‘This chapter of the campaign for independence is over. But the work continues and I don’t want you to miss out on the chance to stay involved.

‘This will be the last email from Yes Scotland and I want to thank you for everything you have done.

‘I have one final ask. Don’t lose touch with the broader campaign. Make your final action of this year joining the SNP, Scottish Greens, Scottish Socialist Party or one of the many non-party campaign groups in the movement. Let’s keep the spirit and the positivity of the Yes campaign alive.’