The people of Perthshire had their first opportunity to engage in the debate stimulated by The Courier’s Independence Referendum Roadshow.
Rolling into Bridge of Earn on Wednesday morning for Day 2 of our 10-week tour, our bus quickly attracted interest with Councillor Henry Anderson among the first visitors.
The SNP representative for Almond and Earn was keen to have his say and said the debate was hotting up as the September 18 referendum approaches.
“Compared to months ago, people are far more receptive on the doorstep,” said Mr Anderson, who claimed the gap between the two camps was closing.
“A lot of the undecided are moving towards a Yes vote and there is even a chink in the armour of people who said they were definitely voting No you present them with information and they move to undecided.”
Mr Anderson was delighted by The Courier effort to support the debate and he was keen to see a healthy turnout of voters no matter what their viewpoint.
Our ping-pong ball voting system was running neck and neck and among those who supported the Better Together campaign was Albert Paterson, from Aberdeen, who was staying in Bridge of Earn to go to Perth races.
“I am definitely a No. There are too many negatives,” he said. “I do not think Alex Salmond has told us the full facts on the pound, debt and defence.”
Businessman John Tulloch, 53, who owns Riveredge Lodges, said he had been pleased by the performance of the Scottish Parliament and felt that independence was the only way for Scotland to ensure a more equal society.
In the afternoon the Courier bus moved on to Errol where Conservative councillor Mac Roberts stopped off to chat with the team.
“We are fighting a good campaign,” said Mr Roberts of the Better Together camp.
People’s big concerns about independence were Scotland’s place in Europe, the use of the pound and pensions, he said.
On Thursday, the roadshow moves on to Angus with events in Letham between 10am and noon, and Glamis between 2pm and 4pm.