HUNDREDS of young people in North Ayrshire will vote for the first time in September’s referendum on independence.

The referendum sees 16 and 17-year-olds given the vote for the first time in Scotland, making the Rock the Vote campaign – which encourages young people to take part in elections and referendums – all the more relevant this year.

Rock the Vote was originally set up in in the United States to encourage the youth vote in elections by fusing pop culture, politics, and technology. The campaign now supports youth participation across the world and campaigning to protect voting rights.

A series of gigs featuring local artists will take place throughout July, culminating in a headlining event at the Harbour Arts Centre at the end of the month.

Some of the most talented local bands feature in the Rock the Vote gigs, including Crash Club, DJ Neil McHarg (also of Crash Club), The Outlawed, Tragic O’Hara, Halo Tora, Burnout, Jamie Clarke, Bernard and Kieran MC, and Remedy.

Kilwinning’s The Outlawed are keen to support the Rock the Vote campaign and have a simple message for young people who are thinking about voting: The band said: “This is one of the most important events we will ever be a part of.

"The important thing is that young people register to vote and then make sure their vote counts, no matter what way they vote!” That message will come out loud and clear at the Rock the Vote gigs which kick off at West Kilbride Community Centre on Tuesday 1 July from 7pm.

Here is a full gig listing: West Kilbride Community Centre – Tuesday 1 July: DJ – Neil McHarg. Halo Tora. Bernard and Kieran MC Walker Hall, Kilbirnie – Tuesday 15 July: DJ Neil McHarg. Burnout. Bernard and Kieran MC.

Brodick Village Hall – Friday 18 July. DJ Neil McHarg. Silent Disco. Bernard and Kieran MC.

Kilwinning Bridge Project – Tuesday 22 July: DJ Neil McHarg. Bridge Project – Remedy. Bernard and Kieran MC.

Ardrossan Church of Nazerene – Thursday 31 July . DJ Neil McHarg . Crash Club. Bernard and Kieran MC Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine – Thursday 14 August. Jamie Clarke. Burnout. The Outlawed. Halo Tora. Tragic O’Hara.