As Scotland edges ever closer to the once-in-a-generation opportunity that the independence referendum presents, the people of Perth had their say yesterday at the latest of The Courier debates.
Chaired by Courier political editor Kieran Andrews, the debate in the North Inch Community Campus attracted a healthy audience despite the competition of the World Cup and the summer weather.
The event had the views of the two camps represented by Yes Scotland’s chief executive Blair Jenkins and Conservative Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith, with academic Dr Matt Qvortrup, a leading authority on referendums, presenting impartial expertise.
In his opening comments Mr Jenkins said that the people of Scotland were faced with a decision about what kind of country they wished to live in.
“The more people think about this, the more they move towards yes,” he claimed.
With 13 weeks to go he said all the indications were that a substantial number of people possibly as many as 37% still had to make up their minds.
Ms Smith described herself as “a passionate supporter of the UK” and said there were fundamental reasons why people should vote no the economy, the pound and greater security in terms of defence.
She said she believed young people were rejecting the cause of independence in growing numbers.
“I think these youngsters are part of a global generation, putting up barriers is not something that appeals to them,” she said.
“This is not about whether Scotland could be independent of course it could it is about whether it should be.”
The first question from the floor was about the probable set up costs if Scotland was to become independent.
Mr Jenkins said that costs had been put in the billions by some but he thought it was much more likely to be around £250 million. To put this in context he said that not having Trident in an independent Scotland would save £550m per year, so the costs could quickly be recouped.
Ms Smith said she thought it was something that the Scottish Government couldn’t answer and the public should be aware of this. Dr Qvortrup said it was a bit like a divorce the costs would depend on how amicable the split was.
Further devolved powers in the event of a no vote, the impact of independence on pensions, and scrutiny of the parliament were all explored in a lively debate.
The evening ended with an endorsement of Scottish voters with Mr Qvortrup saying that in his wide experience he had never experienced such an informed and educated electorate.