A campaign for a referendum on Scottish independence had its north-east launch in Dundee on Saturday.

About 50 people attended the event organised by the Scottish Independence Convention, a cross-party group which is hoping to collect a minimum of 100,000 signatures petitioning the Scottish Parliament to hold a poll.

The panel of speakers comprised Dundee East SNP MSP Shona Robison, John McAllion of the Scottish Socialists, former Green Party MSP Shiona Baird, and Courier columnist Jim Crumley.

Those attending the launch at Verdant Works had the chance to listen to the panel’s views on independence before being invited to ask questions and sign the petition.

The petition calls on “the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to conduct a referendum on whether Scotland should again become a sovereign independent state.”

During the meeting Shona Robison spoke of her own belief in Scottish independence and how the move would benefit the country as a whole.

She said, “Scotland wants, needs and deserves greater decision-making responsibilities.

“Every single test of opinion shows that Scotland wants more responsibilities for their parliament.

“It is about being able to take the big decision for themselves.

“It is an issue that is much bigger than all the political parties—it is a fundamental debate and it is so important that the people of Scotland have their say on how they want their country to be run.”