Gazette Independence Debate, May 26, 2014, Slideshow

Memorial Hall...was packed for the Carluke and Lanark Gazette Scottish Independence Debate (Pic Rodger Price)

And it was well worth sacrificing the holiday Monday evening for as the audience was fired up for the occasion and ready to do battle – verbally, at least!

With more than 400 people in the audience, it reaffirmed just how important local people believe the vote on September 18 this year is.

Johnston Press Scotland managing director Stuart Birkett, who chaired the debate, said: “It was certainly a lively affair, proving that – no matter what your opinion – the Referendum really seems to have re-engaged the public with politics.

“And the turnout shows what an important role our local papers have in reporting on this momentous decision.”

Gazette editor Julie Currie, who welcomed the audience and Stuart, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to attend and assure our readers that, right up until the vote on September 18, we’ll be leading the way with news and views from both Yes Clydesdale and Better Together Clydesdale.

“This will be led by Gazette readers, asking the questions THEY want to see answered.”

Remember to keep checking back daily on our website for the answers to all of our readers questions – which have been posed to the guest speakers at the debate, Robin McAlpine and MSP Aileen Campbell for Yes Clydesdale and Professor Adam Tomkins and MP David Mundell for Better Together Clydesdale.

The pictures featured in our slideshow were taken by freelance photographer Rodger Price.