YOUNG people from Irvine and Kilwinning will be the focal point of a special independence debate.

Tonight (Wednesday, August 20), a debate on the independence referendum is being held at Irvine’s Redburn Community Centre at 6pm.

The event, organised by local members of the Scottish Youth Parliament, is specifically targeting 16-25 year olds whether they’re voting Yes, No or are undecided about their vote. The debate aims not only to let young folk have their views on the issues that concern them but also provide them with information ahead of the vote on September 18. Speakers addressing the audience on the night include Councillor Marie Burns representing Yes Scotland and Councillor Joe Cullinane of Better Together.

In addition, two youth representatives from both campaigns will make speeches at the debate which will be chaired by Kilwinning Youth MSP Nairn McDonald.

Josh McCormick, Youth MSP for Cunninghame South, said: “We recognised the need for a young person specific debate to be held in North Ayrshire after consulting with young people during Rock the Vote and other voter registration/awareness events.

“We will have speakers from both Yes Scotland and Better Together at the debate. We were keen to mix localism with the national campaigns so we are lucky enough to have Cllrs Joe Cullinane and Marie Burns representing their respective campaigns as well as having youth representatives from the two campaigns speaking. On the night, Nairn McDonald will be chairing the debate and speakers will have approximately five minutes each to make opening remarks.

“This will be followed by questions from the floor, we aim to give young people the opportunity to ask as many questions as possible so the chair will be extremely strict on response/rebuttal time. The debate will also be filmed by North Ayrshire’s Caley Centre. The recording will then be released to schools and social media so those young people across North Ayrshire who couldn’t attend on the night can catch the debate.”