Three weeks tomorrow will see the two-day SNP Conference kick off in Aviemore.
There will be a strong focus on the PPCs who will carry the fight in the upcoming General Election (which would be only one week away if the rumours of an imminent announcement are true) but beyond that I’m not entirely sure what the ‘flavour’ or theme of this one will be, probably referendum tactics in light of yesterday’s announcement. Well, that and a YSI karaoke of course!
Of the very few SNP members that I have spoken to recently it sounds like attendance will be low which is perhaps not too surprising given the time of the year, there’s a recession (just) behind us, the fact it’s ‘only’ Spring Conference and our current position in the election cycle. I’m undecided as to whether I’ll make it up myself but still hopeful flights will be cheap and rooms are still available at the MacDonald Hotel.
Maybe pre-election Conferences are always a bit low-key. After all, I only just learned a moment ago that the Conservatives are having one this weekend.
Would be interesting to hear the thoughts of those heading North (or South) to Aviemore for the 20th/21st though and how structured the weekend is due to be…
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18 comments:
I'm going! The whole thing is a bit pricy, so I'm trying to minimise costs by going by train and staying in the luxurious surroundings of the youth hostel.
Despite what you may have heard about attendance, most folk I know will probably go. I've heard even St Mirren fans involved in some tourney will be heading up for the other day.
Conference has become a massive event in recent years, with overspill hall(s) to allow people to catch the keynote speeches. It gives a bit of focus and encouragement, plus valuable media coverage, in the run up to the election.
Look forward to seeing you there!
I shan't be heading up this time round (although with my studied air of mystique, no doubt I could pass through blissfully anonymously. Tartan man of mystery me). That said, I've made a mental half-commitment (circumstances permitting) to attending a convocation of Nats later in the year.
I'd like to go, but to be honest, it'll probably be too expensive both to stay and even get there, unless I can also get into the YouthHostel…
I may have left it too late anyway…
I do wish the party would consider holding more of these events in the central belt. I know the party has a much larger following in the highlands, but even so, most events are held in or around Inverness…
Great news Allison, I'm boosted with enthusiasm already!
I shouldn't have assumed it'd be a ghost event off the back of 3 noshows but I do have a thing for reading too much into small sample sizes, allegedly...
Good point about focus, encouragement and free (*cough*) media so yeah, looking forward to meeting you there too. And the St Mirren fans, why they're just buddies one hasn't met yet.
Shame you shan't be there LPW but you're spot on about the tartan man of mystery. I mean this in the nicest possible way, but I'm not entirely convinced you're a real person.
I would imagine its going to be very expensive now if you haven't already booked your accomadation. Best skiining in about 30 years, Aviemore is going to be heaving around that time I suspect.
Really? In what particular sense do you perceive my unreality?
The first option, I suppose, is that I am in fact a persona concealing multiple individuals. Not so. In my defence on this head I have to echo Walt Whitman: "I am large, I contain multitudes".
Alternatively, you might suspect me of not being a whole human being, instead suspecting that I'm actually a pompous escapee thought, originating in Mike Russell's febrile unconscious. Having made its escape from the the Education Secretary's skull, the stray Notion has now set itself up in the blogosphere to share its prolixity with the nation.
Or thirdly, you may have a private presently doubt beyond my ken. Do tell and I shall do my best to convince you of my reality!
Cheerio,
LPW
Jeff
I will be going, and will doubtless be at the karaoke.
Of course, I'll be making the trip, if for no other reason than to fly the flag for the winning Nat factor entry...
LPW, I'm suddenly overcome with a guilt which I hope is misplaced will be fleeting. I guess it's a combination of factors - the seemingly neverending range of flowery vocabulary, the slightly dandy-esque choice of picture, the inability to pin an age, wage or stage on you and the inadequate sense that washes over me given I never quite grasp what it is you're saying.
As I say, it is meant as a compliment and is more of a damning indictment of my poor wee West coast mind that can only cope with so much at once than anything else!
It would be awesome if you were a Mike Russell. I think, much like Jock Tamson's bairns, we all are really.
If you were to wear a cape and a mask at this future convocation(?) then that'd be braw.
Shame Math, would've been good to meet. And fine point about the skiing Fitalass, I hear Scotland's ski centres have the most snow on the planet right now. Glencoe was boasting of a metre in the car park which is probably not the best PR unless one is arriving by husky!
Good stuff Will and Mark, I shall offset my lack of musicality against your entertainment credentials and say a hello if I do end up getting the cheque book out.
Definitely getting the Conference vibe now, it helps not to have the flu like last time.
Dont be surprised if Crash stops dithering and announces a General Election date this weekend to gazzump the Tory Conference!
My money is now on an election Late March/Early April! I dont think he is going to wait till May folks. If he does then he really is stupid!
IainM
I'll certainly be at the main conference in the autumn, but seeing as I'm now the Branch secretary, I'm also involved in the campaign etc. I don't really have the time, even if I did have the transport to get there, the money to pay for it, and a place to kip…
But we'll see...
I can't decide if I should go or not.
On one hand, it's an excellent networking opportunity and I'm at the stage where I'm wanting to make my voice heard on certain issues and damn the consequences. There is also a degree of history involved, as my Grandfather was a delegate for Bridge of Don branch for many years.
On the other hand, it's close to deadlines for me and thanks to problems in my new branch, I've only just been given details of their meetings, so I won't know anyone else going from Edinburgh.
As Fitalass says, there is also the accommodation problem.
"I hear Scotland's ski centres have the most snow on the planet right now. Glencoe was boasting of a metre in the car park which is probably not the best PR unless one is arriving by husky!"
Jeff, as an Aviemore lass I can tell you that the skiing is the best in living memory. Words such as brilliant or better than the alps are being regularly bandied about by the local experienced skiers. It might end up being a really party atmosphere for all those who make the trip to the SNP conference.
Two words for the cash-strapped amongst us:
Megabus and Couchsurfing
Jeff,
Didn't even know it was on! That said I cannot spare the time due to work pressures and other commitments.
Have fun although Megabus from Londistan is not fun, cheap but you'll arrive tired out!
CD
Agree with Anon that GB might try to upstage DC, but DC will have some contingency words prepared I would have thought.
If I was asked this snowy morning if I wanted to travel to Aviemore from Glasgow I would just have said 'No'.
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