The Federation of Student Nationalists (FSN) was formed in the 1960s when various student organisations supportive of the notion of Scottish independence and the Scottish National Party (SNP) in particular decided to join forces into a new constituent body.

Key figures in the formation of the FSN were Sir Neil MacCormick and Allan MacCartney who would both later become SNP members of the European Parliament.

The FSN is an autonomous body from the SNP and as such can devise its own policies, publicity and campaigns. Unlike the SNP it is expressly republican, and has in the past exhibited socialist sentiment.

It has played an active part in the affairs of the SNP and is represented on the party's National Executive Committee, although this is now a position shared with the Young Scots for Independence. The FSN can send delegates to its Annual National Conference and meetings of its National Council.

The FSN supported the bid for SNP leadership of Alex Neil in 2000, and Alex Salmond in 2004.

Current Office Holders

• National Convener: Laura Love, Glasgow University Scottish Nationalist Association
• Vice Convener: David McDonald, Paisley University Scottish Nationalist Association
• Secretary : Mhari Ishbel Johnston, Dundee University Scottish Nationalist Association
• Treasurer: Neal Stewart, St.Andrews University Scottish Nationalist Association