'Fantastic response' to vote debate

Feb 9 2012

A campaign set up to gather opinion about Scotland's constitutional future has had a "fantastic response".

The Future of Scotland campaign was launched last week by a coalition of churches, voluntary groups, businesses, trade unions and other organisations in order to open up the debate on the independence referendum.

The group has stressed that while it will consider the so-called devo-plus option, devolving more powers to Holyrood but stopping short of independence, it will not argue for a particular outcome or for a second question on the referendum ballot paper.

It said organisations such as the Electoral Reform Society, Faith in Community Scotland, Age Scotland and groups representing ethnic minorities and young people are keen to contribute their opinions, while others have signed up merely to be kept informed about the campaign.

Campaign spokeswoman Alison Elliot said: "We have struck a chord with many people across Scotland who want to contribute to a debate about the referendum that's rooted in the issues and challenges they face.

"The fantastic response generated so far proves that there is a strong appetite to engage people in all parts of Scotland in this important discussion."

Future of Scotland is holding a conference in Glasgow on March 1, aiming to bring together several hundred people for a debate.

Meanwhile, youth organisations have met representatives of the campaign to discuss how to engage younger people.

The Scottish Government's consultation on the independence referendum began on January 25. On the ballot paper, the Government is asking: "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?"

First Minister Alex Salmond said the ballot could include the option of greatly enhanced powers for Holyrood. He said if devo max has "wide support", it is "only fair and democratic" that it is included.