The date will be 18th September 2014

So now we know the date of the Independence Referendum - Thursday 18th September 2014.  I was struck by the contrast in the Chamber this afternoon between the positive vision of the SNP members and the negativity of the opposition.  It is not only that they have nothing to say, it is that they insist on saying it in such a truculent manner.  If you want to make an argument for the Union, please do so, but, for goodness sake, stop insulting us with this rubbish about it all being just too difficult - and there not being enough daylight.  Politics is supposed to be about ideas and vision.  The Labour Party seem to want to drag everyone down into the slough of despond. 

But it is not working - and I am looking forward even more to SNP conference this weekend; it will be bursting with ideas and energy.  Come talk to me (and, of course, vote for me!)

Former Minister for Europe hails Duncan's 'knowledge of European Issues'

“Duncan Ross has been an SNP stalwart for many years. His knowledge of European issues, his commitment to independence and his capacity for hard work would make Duncan an ideal elected representative to the European Parliament.”

Linda Fabiana MSP

'He cares passionately' says Aileen Campbell MSP

"I have known Duncan for many years - I know he cares passionately about Scotland and about strengthening Scotland's position within Europe.  Duncan has worked hard and committedly for the SNP over many years and is motivated by the desire to see Scotland independent.  I know he would make an excellent MEP."

Aileen Campbell MSP

SNP Leader of Highland Council hails 'range of skills'

'Duncan is an excellent candidate for the SNP.  His commitment, experience and range of skills make him an ideal prospective MEP who will work for every opportunity or Scotland’

Cllr Drew Hendry

'He will gain the respect of European politicians'

'Duncan Ross is, to my mind, someone the Europeans would take seriously. He's got the background, the intellect and the personal skills we need in someone who, if elected as an MEP, is likely to be one of the key players in smoothing the transition as Scotland becomes an Independent nation within Europe. Duncan Ross will gain the respect of European politicians and that makes him a really serious contender for Europe.'

Councillor Joan Sturgeon, SNP Provost of North Ayrshire

Chair of Parliament's powerful Finance Committee

"Duncan has long been committed to independence in Europe and has the intellect, experience, integrity and work ethic essential to the SNP European team fighting for Scotland after we win the referendum."

Kenneth J Gibson MSP

'His combined intellect and passion ... make him well placed'

"I have known Duncan for many years and can testify to his commitment to the SNP and our vision of a socially just independent Scotland. His combined intellect and passion for that vision make him well placed to be a representative for our party, and I commend his candidacy to you."

Jamie Hepburn MSP, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

Chair of the European Committee in Scottish Parliament endorses Duncan Ross

'Duncan Ross would make a terrific candidate and a smashing MEP.'

Christina McKelvie MSP

'The opposition would be intellectually wary of challenging Duncan in debate'

“Duncan Ross is highly-respected in his field of employment as a university lecturer and also as a recent National Secretary of the SNP. He is honest and straightforward and has had a genuine interest in European affairs for a considerable period of time, in particular regarding Scotland’s place in Europe generally both as a present successor state within the EU and as a future full member state following independence.

“As a candidate for MEP, Duncan would be hard-working and diligent as well as very able to carry a brief and to develop arguments. The opposition would be intellectually wary of challenging Duncan in debate as his statements and policy stances would be as comprehensive and well-researched as they would be appealing and beneficial to the Scottish people.

“I would have no hesitation in referring Duncan Ross as a candidate of genuine capability and character and as a worker for the cause of independence.”

Bill Kidd MSP, Glasgow Anniesland

James Dornan says it's time to get serious

'If I were to list all the reasons why Duncan Ross has to be one of our European Candidates, we'd be here all day. Let me just say that I support his candidacy 100%.

This is no time to be messing about, we have to put our very best, most capable and respected people forward. They are going to have a huge responsibility to ensure that Scotland's voice is clearly heard and properly represented as we move forward to Independence within Europe. 

I urge you to give a high ranking to Duncan Ross, a serious prospect for Europe.'

James Dornan MSP for Glasgow Cathcart

Bob Doris describes Duncan as 'excellent choice'

‘Duncan’s commitment to and experience in the SNP make him an excellent choice as candidate for the 2014 European elections’

Bob Doris MSP, Glasgow

'Scotland must be taken seriously and for that we need serious people like Duncan'

'I'm all for encouraging people to have a go at being a candidate - it's a great experience and we've got a lot of talented people in the SNP. However, it's serious now. I have no doubt we will win the Independence referendum on 18th September 2014. And that means we need serious people representing us. Duncan doesn't need to do it for the experience, he's already there. He is an expert in the workings of Europe. He's a passionate speaker. He's an intellectual force to be reckoned with.  And he exudes gravitas.

We have to be able to picture the people we elect as MEPs speaking with senior figures across Europe. We have to know that the negotiations and the transition as Scotland takes its place at the top tables of Europe are being conducted by serious people who will gain respect at every level. Scotland must be taken seriously and for that we need serious people like Dr Duncan Ross.'

Former Glasgow MSP and Inverclyde by-election candidate Anne McLaughlin

'Team player' says Caithness, Ross & Sutherland MSP

'Duncan Ross is a team player, a knowledgeable and very suitable MEP candidate.'

Rob Gibson MSP

Leader of SNP Council Group in Glasgow backs Duncan

"Duncan Ross would be a great asset to Scotland and the SNP as an MEP.  His dedication and commitment to Scotland has been shown through his long track record campaigning for the SNP."

Cllr Graeme Hendry, Glasgow

'A wealth of experience' says Glasgow SNP Councillor

'Duncan is a principled and respected voice in the party, a candidate who we can trust to stand up for Scotland in Europe. As an MEP Duncan would bring a wealth of experience to the SNPs team and would be a passionate voice for building a fairer Scotland at the heart of Europe.'

Cllr David McDonald,  Glasgow

'OUTSTANDING' says West of Scotland MSP

'Duncan is an outstanding and experienced campaigner and will do a great job leading for the SNP in the European elections in 2014.'

Stewart Maxwell MSP, West Scotland

'VERY hardworking' says Sandra White MSP

'I am very happy to endorse Duncan as a candidate for the 2014 European elections.  I have campaigned with him for many years and know that he will be a very hardworking candidate and, if elected, MEP'

Sandra White MSP, Glasgow Kelvin

Renfrewshire Councillor offers support

'Duncan will be a serious and dedicated candidate and I support him wholeheartedly. '

Renfrewshire Councillor Andy Doig

Angus South MSP says Dr Ross would be 'first class' candidate

'I have known Duncan for many years and am in no doubt that he would be a first class European candidate.'

Graeme Dey MSP, Angus South

'A powerful and intelligent voice in Europe' says Cllr Ken Andrew

‘I have known Duncan Ross for several years and wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy. I would exhort all voting members to support Duncan and get a powerful and intelligent voice in Europe, fighting for Scotland and Scotland’s people.’

Cllr Ken Andrew, Glasgow