Quantum PR's Blog

Can the Scots Resist the Power of a Seductive Message?

Alec Salmond’s launch of his consultation paper on Scottish independence clearly demonstrates how powerful a seductive message can be.

In the cold light of day Scottish independence is a non-starter – it makes no sense economically, socially or politically. But, start to focus the message on the romanticism, the heritage, the suppressed culture, the oppressed peoples, the independent spirit and the national fervour and the case starts to become compelling. It’s a cliché to refer back to Braveheart but, even after all these years, those three hours of film have done more for the independence campaign than any other initiative – because the message is simple and seductive.

Fortunately for the Union there are several months to go to win the status quo argument – but those Unionists face an uphill task if the full force of the seductive independence message is unleashed. Salmond will use every trick in the book – including launching his campaign on Burns Night.