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Lets be clear here. FirstFoot is not endorsing the views of Robbie the Pict, we have no proprietary interest in his progress, tie-in to his party or even a particular commitment to his cause.

But, the Scottish political landscape is dreary. It's blighted by career politicians, resplendent in shiny well-cut suits (male and female), paying homage to the Establishment, particularly the English political Establishment.

With the notable exceptions of Tommy Sheridan, Robin Harper, Dennis Canavan and Margot MacDonald, Scottish politics is dominated by dreary second-rate functionaries who toe the party line and play the Party game in the hope of preferment.

Now, Robbie has a vision. It might not be prudent. It might not be realistic. Hell, it might not even be sane. But he brings colour and a robust anti-establishment sensibility to a monochrome and conservative political scene.

We have edited some of the appeal we received from Mr. the Pict and trust that it stills conveys the commitment of the man:

"The financial logistics of standing in a Scottish election are a slight problem but one that can be negotiated with a spread of good-will, as happened last time. Official permitted expenditure is about £11,500 but the Pictish outlay in 1999 was about £2,000. It is not intended to exceed that sum, and indeed certain economies will result from not taking the 'Free the Skye Bridge' car everywhere in the Highlands and Islands. The price of a full-page ad in the P & J (some £450 + Vat) may have to be reconsidered but the same artwork could be re-employed as the manifesto is basically identical.

The first big lump is the cash deposit of £500 which we are unlikely to see again, (but you never know!). However that is considered a necessary outlay to keep Sovereignty alive in the mind of occupied Scotland.

The exercise involves basically a month on the phone, the PC and the road, and from a media appearance point of view seems to centre on Inverness, unfortunately 125 miles from Dunvegan. Outlays also include printing of cards and posters, feeding volunteers who leaflet supermarkets etc., occasional B+Bs, ferry/air travel and encouraging journalists with whom you might share a pint to see the world through something other than Angloid eyes.

As you can all imagine the exercise of acting as a community lawyer (unpaid and doleless) for nearly eight years is likely to strain anyone's personal fortune, especially for those who do not have one. For that reason this e-mail must become the first Pictish funds request.

To prevent incalculable wealth coming my way by this cunning device, I will undertake to advise everyone when we reach the sum of £2,000. This will allow a degree of flexibility, and any change will go into the Skat Legal Group coffers. Paraphrasing Lord Gill who recently said concerning his judicial oath, "Trust me, I'm a Judge", the Pict can only say "Trust me, you know how to embarrass me".

Contributions in units of £10, the price of a round of drinks, should be sent to the 'Scottish Peoples Mission, Old Schoolyard, DUNVEGAN, Isle of Skye, IV55 8GU'.
Cheques etc. should be payable to 'Robbie the Pict'.

Empower me to empower you. Given my track record over 25 years of Scottish activism I'll not be selling out the sovereignty of the people at this stage in my life. "