Coffee Morning Gives 'Yes' Supporters Grounds For Optimism
>> 25 February 2014
An event organised by local ‘YES Scotland’ activists aimed at female voters has been hailed as a great success by organisers.
Around forty female voters, mostly undecided on how to vote in September’s Independence referendum, gathered in the conservatory of Ellon’s Buchan Hotel last Saturday morning to enjoy a cup of coffee and to have a chat about issues surrounding Scottish Independence.
The meeting, which was deliberately designed to be very informal, gave those attending the opportunity to discuss Independence with other undecided voters as well as people who have already decided to vote ‘Yes’. It is one of a number of similar events which have been planned by 'Yes' supporters to be held across Scotland and the North East in advance of September’s vote.
“This was a really good meeting”, said Dr Whiteford afterwards.
“It was an informal, relaxed event, which gave people a chance to ask anything they liked about independence and the forthcoming referendum.
“Women represent over half the voting population in Scotland. As opinion polls show the margin between ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ getting ever closer, it’s increasingly clear that women’s voices need to be heard, and that we are going to become more and more important in shaping the debate on Scotland’s future.
“People went away with a real sense of having engaged with the issues. I’m certain that more than a few those who arrived as undecided voters will have left, if not as outright ‘Yes’ supporters, then certainly heading firmly in that direction.”
“Women represent over half the voting population in Scotland. As opinion polls show the margin between ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ getting ever closer, it’s increasingly clear that women’s voices need to be heard, and that we are going to become more and more important in shaping the debate on Scotland’s future.
“People went away with a real sense of having engaged with the issues. I’m certain that more than a few those who arrived as undecided voters will have left, if not as outright ‘Yes’ supporters, then certainly heading firmly in that direction.”
Afterwards, a spokesperson for the Ellon Women For Independence group thanked Dr Whiteford for supporting the event.
"It was really good to be able to welcome such a high-profile local politician to our meeting", she said.
"As a Member of Parliament, Eilidh knows all about how poorly our interests are represented by the Westminster Government and how with Scottish control over tax and welfare policy we could make a real and positive difference to people's lives.
"This has been a very successful morning for us. We'd like to thank everyone who came along, and especially Dr Whiteford for taking the time to come along to play such an active part."
"As a Member of Parliament, Eilidh knows all about how poorly our interests are represented by the Westminster Government and how with Scottish control over tax and welfare policy we could make a real and positive difference to people's lives.
"This has been a very successful morning for us. We'd like to thank everyone who came along, and especially Dr Whiteford for taking the time to come along to play such an active part."
