Scotia Future, a new party for independence and a “Scotland of equals” has launched.

The party has been in the making for over a year, and has been approved by the Electoral Commission. It intends to fight both constituency and list seats at the next Scottish elections, holding independence at the forefront of the priorities.

Mr Chic Brodie, Former MSP for South of Scotland, and Cllr Andy Doig, Independent Elected Member on Renfrewshire Council, have joined forces to launch the new political party.

Mr Brodie said: “We are delighted to launch Scotia Future, a party that will move Scotland forward to real independence outwith the EU, as it has never been clearer that, devolution has had its day.

“Westminster and Holyrood are broken, but the only choice for Scotland is not a binary one between a dwindling voice in the UK and so-called independence in the EU. We have better options.”

The party’s main aims are Scottish independence, economic justice by eliminating poverty and giving power back to local Scottish communities damaged by years of austerity.

Cllr Andy Doig added: “We do not just want to change flags but to change society. We seek a Scotland of equals where merit is the gold standard, a Scotland which is a fair and enterprising country based on co-operative principles and values.”