STEVENSTON pro wrestler Grado was grappling with the hot topic of the independence referendum at the Harbour Arts Centre recently.

But the Insane Fight Club star – alias Graeme Stevely – wasn’t offering any political direction just urging 16 and 17-year-olds to get out and vote.

Grado delivered a message via video encouraging young people to register to vote and then make their voices heard by casting their vote.

His virtual appearance came during a sell-out gig that brought the curtain down on a series of Rock the Vote music nights across North Ayrshire.

More than 150 young people attended the final concert which was one of six staged by North Ayrshire Council in the run-up to the Scottish Referendum.

Chief Executive Elma Murray dropped in at the event to meet the bands and chat to the young people who, in between acts, were being given an insight into Scotland’s new voting rules.

North Ayrshire Council was the first UK local authority to link up with the famous Rock the Vote campaign ahead of the national ballot on 18 September.

The Council seized the opportunity earlier in the year to capitalise on the success of the American-based movement which has had spectacular results in getting young people to vote.

On the bill at the Harbour Arts Centre were Ayrshire bands Liquid Walls, Jamie Clarke, Crash Club, Outlawed and Burnout.

Elma Murray, who is North Ayrshire’s Counting Officer, said: “Rock the Vote has been a big hit in America for 25 years, simplifying and demystifying the voting process for young adults.

“I am pleased that we in North Ayrshire made a special effort to reach out to our own young people with an approach which was novel to the UK.

“The Referendum is a significant historical event and it is crucial therefore that as many people as possible take part.

“There is still time to get your name on the electoral register to make sure you can vote, but the deadline is approaching fast - Tuesday, 2 September.”