The Courier’s Independence Referendum Roadshow has kicked off with lively debate in Fife.
Visits to Glenrothes and Markinch on Tuesday marked the start of our 10-week tour of Courier country.
With the September 18 referendum fast approaching, locals were very keen to explain why they would be voting yes, no or, in a surprising number of cases, not at all.
Our tour bus first rolled into Glenrothes as we set up outside the Kingdom Shopping Centre.
Attracted by our high-tech voting system ping-pong balls dropped into plastic tubes people were soon coming forward to say how they intend to vote.
Scotlandwell man David Paterson is against independence, and said he was concerned that too many will be voting ‘yes’ without fully researching the issues.See full coverage of our Glenrothes event here“If we vote for independence I’ll be selling up and leaving within weeks,” he pledged. “The country cannot afford to go it alone.”
But his view was strongly countered by another local man who dropped his ball in the ‘for’ side and confidently declared: “I’m voting yes for the youth of this country.”
If one thing was clear, it was that both sides have much to do to convince the undecideds.
Time and again we heard that people feel confused by the claims and counter-claims.
“I’ve never voted in my life, and I’m not starting now!” said one man as he hurried past.
It was then on to Markinch for our afternoon event.
After talking to our roadshow team and filling out our special survey, Union supporter Iain Henderson and Yes backer Steven Marwick engaged in a lively on-street debate.
Mr Henderson, a pensioner, said he feared independence would damage Scotland’s economy and the job prospects of its young people.See full coverage of our Markinch event hereBut Mr Marwick, who is in his 20s, responded saying the Union was not working and only change could bring about the prosperity everyone wants.
All in all, it was a great start to our tour.
Wednesday sees our team head for Bridge of Earn between 10am and noon, before Errol between 2pm and 4pm.
To follow every step of the tour, visit www.thecourier.co.uk/indy-roadshow.