Kilwinning students run mock independence referendum

Before the debate began Andrew McBride, HND Social Science student, said, “I’ve already looked at the Scottish Government’s White Paper in class and formed an opinion on which way I’ll vote. It will be interesting to hear the discussions today and see if I change my mind.” Over 110 students from across Ayrshire were asked to vote at the start of the event. Fifty per cent voted to remain part of the UK, 33 per cent thought the best opportunities lay in an independent Scotland and 17 per cent were undecided. At the end of the debate they were asked to vote again and the results showed 46 per cent voting yes, 43 per cent voting no and 11 per cent undecided.

HNC Social Science student Christopher Young said: “I volunteered to get involved in the steering group to help organise this event. I think it’s important that students are more aware of the issues surrounding the referendum to help them make a more informed decision in September. This is the biggest decision in Scotland’s history and the result will affect everyone’s future. Today’s event was really interesting and showed the importance of getting involved in the debate and exploring the different sides of the argument.” Margaret Robertson, HNC Business student said: “It took a lot of organising but it was well worth it. I think the students got a good balanced view of both sides of the argument.” The panel members were Councilor Alex Gallacher (Labour, North Coast and Cumbraes), Councilor Tom Marshall (Conservative, North Coast and Cumbraes), Councilor Mathew Brown (SNP, Irvine West), Councilor Marie Burns (SNP, Irvine East), and Tes Eshetu, Curriculum Leader, Curriculum of Education and Business, Ayrshire College.

At the event for Social Science and Business students to help them decide which way to vote in the Referendum, student representatives posed questions to a panel of local councilors from all the main political parties. This led to a lively discussion on matters important to students such as jobs, public services and spending.

Before the debate began Andrew McBride, HND Social Science student, said, “I’ve already looked at the Scottish Government’s White Paper in class and formed an opinion on which way I’ll vote. It will be interesting to hear the discussions today and see if I change my mind.” Over 110 students from across Ayrshire were asked to vote at the start of the event. Fifty per cent voted to remain part of the UK, 33 per cent thought the best opportunities lay in an independent Scotland and 17 per cent were undecided. At the end of the debate they were asked to vote again and the results showed 46 per cent voting yes, 43 per cent voting no and 11 per cent undecided.

HNC Social Science student Christopher Young said: “I volunteered to get involved in the steering group to help organise this event. I think it’s important that students are more aware of the issues surrounding the referendum to help them make a more informed decision in September. This is the biggest decision in Scotland’s history and the result will affect everyone’s future. Today’s event was really interesting and showed the importance of getting involved in the debate and exploring the different sides of the argument.” Margaret Robertson, HNC Business student said: “It took a lot of organising but it was well worth it. I think the students got a good balanced view of both sides of the argument.” The panel members were Councilor Alex Gallacher (Labour, North Coast and Cumbraes), Councilor Tom Marshall (Conservative, North Coast and Cumbraes), Councilor Mathew Brown (SNP, Irvine West), Councilor Marie Burns (SNP, Irvine East), and Tes Eshetu, Curriculum Leader, Curriculum of Education and Business, Ayrshire College.