RSS is a grassroots driven campaign group that advocates for Direct Democracy (DD) in order to achieve
Popular Sovereignty. We ballot our members on topics of vital importance to Scotland.
Register below to take part in our ballots.
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Local action groups
The model we’re developing is based on the 1990s Skye Road Bridge toll resistance campaign and the 1994 Strathclyde water privatisation referendum. It’s targeted at entrenched political and financial power – and it works. Click here to join the North Ayrshire hub or if you want to help set up or join a new hub.
Electronic voting
Fill in the registration form above up to sign up to local, regional and national Initiatives and Referendums,
Unbiased information
RSS supports a fiercely independent blog which publishes topical articles on Scottish self-determination. Excellent research and analysis are synthesised into short articles ideal for sharing with like-minded family, friends and colleagues. Visit the following websites for the latest news on Scottish self-determination and Direct Democracy.
Direct Democracy explained
Our website describes a democratic model which envisions a partnership between the People (Popular Sovereignty) and Politicians (Parliamentary Sovereignty) using Direct Democracy (DD) including Popular Initiatives and Referendums. The regional variant, Decentralised Direct Democracy (DDD), is what will ultimately redefine Scotland’s system of National Governance.
Discover Our Case Study, Key Introduction, and Practical Insights
Explore how the region of Strathclyde empowered the People to protect Scotland’s water from privatisation in the 1990s. This case study reveals how a region-wide referendum effectively challenged Westminster’s legislation, securing public ownership of water resources. It also raises important questions about the role of Decentralised Direct Democracy (DDD) in Scotland’s governance.
Read on to discover how the partnership between the People and regional authority triumphed over central government and how such a model can be introduced to ensure meaningful decentralisation throughout Scotland.
Please read our document:
‘Scottish Popular Sovereignty and Modern Direct Democracy‘
Rethinking National Governance: The Role of Consensus in Direct Democracy
This page highlights the importance of stable National Governance for effective Direct Democracy (DD). It contrasts Scotland’s conflictual political system with Switzerland’s consensus-based model, where the People supervise and control government and parliamentary decisions without political instability. The Swiss approach, emphasising consensus over conflict, offers insights for Scotland’s future governance discussions. Learn more >>
The Importance of Political Rights in Scotland's Future
This section explains the significance of direct Political Rights, based on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Scotland has yet to incorporate in legislation – but which, in accordance with the Scotland Act 1998, it could do tomorrow. It discusses how the exclusion of these rights impacts the Scottish People, particularly the lack of direct mechanisms like Initiatives and Referendums. The following pages explore these tools and their relevance to Scotland’s future governance. Learn more >>
We Have the Power – Let’s Use It!
Respect Scottish Sovereignty (RSS) promotes Direct Democracy (DD) and Decentralised Direct Democracy (DDD) in Scotland. We help the public engage with MSPs, push for Referendums, and take action on key issues like the ICCPR and the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill (VWJR). RSS aims to make Scottish Popular Sovereignty a reality. Learn more >>
The mission of Respect Scottish Sovereignty (RSS) is to explain and promote Decentralised Direct Democracy, the only governance system compatible with Popular Sovereignty. To that end, we are urging MSPs and the Scottish Administration to implement in full the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) into Scots law without further delay. ICCPR will give the Scottish People the ability to exercise their UN Human Rights to self-determination and direct political rights. ICCPR will not extend Holyrood’s power, but it will extend the power of the sovereign Scottish People.
Direct Democracy was recognised as an individual and inalienable Human Right by the UN in 1966 and ratified by the UK in 1976 – along with the democratic processes that make it work. We explore how Decentralised Direct Democracy (DDD) could shape a new governance model for Scotland, after a consensual process involving Government & Parliament, the Regions & People, the latter having the final say.