A SERIES of key figures from the Yes movement yesterday endorsed the far-left party RISE in this week’s election, urging people to give it their list vote instead of the SNP.

RISE, which is standing on a pro-independence, anti-austerity platform, also unveiled support from left-wing parties in Spain, Catalonia, Quebec, and Poland.

Supporters from the arts included writer and playwright Alan Bissett, rapper Darren 'Loki' McGarvey, the Small Faces and Rab C Nesbitt actor Iain Robertson and the comedian Vladimir MacTavish.

Politicians supporting the party include former SNP deputy leader Jim Sillars, former Scottish Socialist MSP Rosie Kane and ex-Labour MP and MSP John McAllion.

Unite Scotland vice chair Deborah Figures, Billy McChord of the EIS, Hamish Drummond of the PCS and John Milligan of the RMT were among the trade union backers.

RISE, which stands for Respect, Independence, Socialism and Environment, has its roots in the Radical Independence Campaign, Scottish Left Project and Scottish Socialist Party.

It is only standing on the list, with Glasgow candidate Cat Boyd seen as having the best chance of becoming an MSP.

Bissett, a prominent member of National Collective during the referendum, said: “I’ll be voting SNP on my first vote but RISE on my second, because I want to see a socialist and pro-independence party in the Scottish parliament and believe that RISE will stand up for working-class people in my hometown of Falkirk.”

Journalist and intellectual Tariq Ali said: “RISE is part of a crucially important European wide movement standing up to neo-liberalism and the financialisation of our economy and society. I am pleased to support RISE candidates in these elections because they challenge the consensus of the four neo-liberal parties.”

Speaking in a personal capacity, Figures added: “As a trade unionist for over a decade, I know how much the workers of Scotland need an alternative which challenges the failed economics of neo-liberalism. Having also been a member of both Scottish Labour and the SNP, I know the people of Scotland deserve a stronger and more radical voice.”

RISE organiser Jonathon Shafi said: “These endorsements underscore RISE as the reference point for Scottish socialism. We intend to take our case for radical independence into parliament, where we'll win the argument for a second referendum with or without Westminster's consent and push for a combative anti-austerity strategy.”

The SNP warns voting RISE or Green could result in more Unionist MSPs.