Alba Party Reveals Plans for New Scottish Town 'Independence'

Chris McEleny, a candidate for the Alba Party's deputy leadership, has proposed creating a new Scottish town named 'Independence,' a vision he shared with the late former first minister Alex Salmond. This proposal aims to attract energy-intensive industries to Scotland, leveraging the country's renewable energy potential and addressing housing shortages. McEleny, currently suspended from his role as Alba's general secretary due to allegations of misconduct, emphasized that a new town has not been designated since the Second World War and that the initiative could stimulate economic growth and job creation. The idea is controversial, particularly given the historical context of Scotland's independence referendum in 2014, where the majority voted to remain in the UK. The Alba Party is currently in a leadership contest, following Salmond's death last October, with Ash Regan and Kenny MacAskill also vying for the position. McEleny's assertion that the name 'Independence' could be divisive has been noted, but he believes it represents a necessary discussion for the future of Scotland.