For decades, it was relatively simple for the British security agencies to "keep tabs" on Nationalists - the voting rolls were at their disposal, and of course any Scottish parades, rallies or commemorations were always video-taped, their participants identified and listed by the same agencies.  Nowadays there are few occasions or indeed reasons why nationalists should gather to celebrate either our history or victories.  This, in itself, has pleased the unionists, but conversely has made it more difficult to keep their records current in respect of "noting" new, and not so new, faces.

The introduction of the internet has created a new podium for those nationalists who still retain their dedication to Scottish Independence.  Quite a few of the old groups and organisations which were once a source of visual pleasure to nationalists attending the various outings, nowadays exist and operate in cyberspace - whilst still managing to espouse the cause of freedom with reasoned argument against the actions of the Labour government and the inaction of the SNP.  These are the people that the government intends to eradicate, if not literally then certainly by abuse of the powers they have, to "control" what information is permitted to be beamed out for those surfing the internet.

Watchdog Scotland has discovered that one of the "projects" in operation is the creation of new "Scottish Nationalist" web sites.  These web sites are set up to attract nationalists by their content and obvious "Scottish" appearance.  The idea is to create new groups and forums in cyberspace, and by using forums and noticeboards, encourage and incite visitors to participate in inflammatory oration, which will in itself be against the new laws being introduced.  This will naturally be followed by visitors being encouraged to participate in schemes and plots which will be construed as "conspiracies" and "acts against the government", all guaranteed to bring charges against those participating, even if only vocally.  The government has the ability and technology already in place to trace those participating.

In conclusion, Watchdog Scotland would strongly urge all Scottish Nationalists to be especially vigilant, these new web sites are already in place with more to follow.  Naturally we do not advocate that people refrain from reading the content of any web site dedicated to Scottish Independence, but we would caution you to refrain from participating in any discussions that may be available.  There are, of course, several web sites that have been in operation for years, and represent groups well known in nationalist circles.  These are the most safe in that they DO NOT advocate either "direct action" or participate in overtly inflammatory discussion.  However one should be cautious and read through the entries to ensure that one is not participating in a debate which could be misconstrued as unlawful.  If in doubt about any web site, please contact us for an honest appraisal and advice.  We cannot, however, be held liable for any changes of policy by those web sites we may recommend.

Watchdog Scotland