Independence activists in Perth vowed to keep on campaigning despite being dealt a blow by the UK’s highest court.
The Supreme Court in London ruled on Wednesday that Holyrood does not have the power to hold an independence referendum without Westminster’s approval.
The Courier watched the verdict being made with independence campaigners at the Perth and Kinross Yes Hub.
“So we’re not oppressed enough – and therefore we can’t have democracy?” asked William Duguid as the ruling became clear.
But the initial sighs gave way to determination.
“We will continue to campaign for independence because we will win it with popular support,” he said.
“We need to build support up from 50% and that will change the game irrespective of the legal decision.
“I am disappointed but it is not unexpected – I’m pleased they actually came to a decision because this shows us exactly where we stand.”
‘I think Nicola Sturgeon has a plan’
Fellow campaigner Eóghan Macmillan said he’ll be out campaigning this weekend.
“I think this illustrates clearly how Scotland can’t choose of its own will to leave the UK, which is not a good decision for basic democratic principles,” he claimed.
Mary Baxter added: “We can’t be a union if any constituent part of that union doesn’t have a veto – then it becomes a colony.”
And Alice Sutherland said: “I expected this decision but I think Nicola Sturgeon has a plan.
“But whatever the people of Scotland feel, this decision will make people question Scotland’s democratic will.”
Paul Saunders said: “We were disappointed for 10 minutes and now we are deciding what we need to do next.”
Shortly after the ruling, the first minister said she is “disappointed”.
She added: “It is becoming clearer by the day, achieving independence is not just desirable – it is essential if Scotland is to escape the disaster of Brexit, the damage of policies imposed by governments we don’t vote for, and the low growth, high inequality economic model that is holding us back.”
Supreme Court rules Nicola Sturgeon and SNP cannot hold IndyRef2 without Westminster consent