SEAN Lafferty is a communications officer for the Yes Scotland campaign, urging a vote for Scots independence in three days’ time.
He submitted this on Thursday, September 11.
What exactly is it that you do?
I work in the busy communications team at Yes Scotland, the campaign for a Yes vote at the independence referendum.
It’s a privilege to be involved with the biggest grassroots campaign in Scotland and at such an exciting time in Scottish history.
What did your working day today or yesterday comprise?
It was my turn to do the newspaper review for the morning meeting, meaning an even earlier start than usual.
It was then off to film a Yes Scotland event and interview the key participants. Thankfully, we have a dedicated digital desk who edit and upload all of our filmed material, meaning that I can get back to dealing with a clogged-up inbox.
At this stage in the campaign, the phone doesn’t stop ringing and I’ve been dealing with interview requests and providing written responses to the printed and online Press.
The eyes of the world are definitely watching Scotland and I think I’ve taken calls from journalists in almost every country. The interest is growing in the referendum and when I’m not drafting a press release, I’m helping international journalists with independence-related questions.
How different is your average working day to when you started?
I’ve taken on many more duties from when I first started. I’ve now had the chance to take part in press conferences, events, drafting briefings, responses and interviews.
The campaign itself has become busier by the day and there’s a real feeling at Yes HQ that we are on the verge of something very special.
How do you see your job evolving?
Unfortunately, I’ll no longer be employed by Yes Scotland the day after the referendum. It is a once-in-a-life time opportunity and I’ve never regretted taking it.
What gives you the most job satisfaction?
I’ve never had a role where every single press release or response can have such a big impact. Of course, there’s the responsibility and pressure that comes with ensuring that no mistakes are made, but I enjoy knowing that my work has the potential to influence how people in Scotland might vote.
