Movement reacts ...

needed fresh perspective and has made clear that independence comes first,” said a spokesperson.

“With the recent rolling changes in Scottish politics, InverYESs, as always, remains determined and focused on what is best for Scotland – independence.

“We must remain steadfast and firm in our support to any and all independently minded member – whether party or non-aligned.

“Let’s galvanise, move forward and inspire another generation to regain our rightful place in society as an independent country in the very near future.”

InverYess’s hub is open on Saturdays in Inverness from 11am to 3pm and the group holds a Wellbeing Walk every last Saturday in the month – check their Facebook page for updates and events.

Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, CEO of Business for Scotland, the founder of the Believe in Scotland campaign and the author of Scotland the Brief, said Swinney would find the SNP more manageable than Humza Yousaf did.

“In ending the Bute House agreement, Humza ended his premiership but he also put the main thing tearing the SNP apart back in its box. Of course, he will need Green votes to get budgets through etc and the Greens will extract a price – that’s how proportional parliaments are supposed to work.

“John Swinney needs to understand how Scotland has changed. Success in the role as SNP First Minister is no longer about introducing policies to show managerial competence and gradualist approaches to independence.

“The SNP are sitting at 33% but independence is at 51% in the latest polls. To win elections, the SNP leader has to change perceptions within the indy movement and that means going all out for independence.

“If he can convince the 51% that he isn’t just looking for votes but has a cast-iron plan to deliver independence, many of those 51% and more could back the SNP at the next General Election, going a long way to stopping the expected Labour landslide at the border.

“This approach is the key to running a stable minority government, to a strong SNP performance in the next UK General Election and to creating a platform that would lead to a victory for independence in a de facto referendum at the next Scottish Government elections expected in 2026.

“The grassroots arm of the independence movement has been doing its job – now the SNP have to get their act together and deliver the political side of the equation. Humza was the first SNP FM that was willing to properly engage with the grassroots movement, let’s hope John is the next.”

Gus Simpson of Falkirk for Independence, speaking in a personal capacity, said: “I am delighted to see John Swinney as SNP party leader and First Minister nominee. I think he has the statesman-like qualities required to build consensus in a deeply polarised parliament and I am sure he will be able to repair the bruised feelings of the Green Party MSPs and work together for the good of Scotland and the achievement of independence.”