THE independence debate is taking a musical turn in Inverclyde through a ‘musicians for yes’ campaign.

The performers are holding events at local venues, including clubs and pubs, with contributions from speakers.

Spokesman Neil Coyle says the group is made up of local musicians and artists inspired by ‘National Collective’ and their ‘Yestival’ campaign over the summer.

He said: “We have zero funds and everyone, including the venues, are giving their time, skills, energy and services for free.

“Having already been involved with setting up the Inverclyde Acoustic Club over three years ago, and noticing how the level of debate on and engagement with the referendum has increased over the last months, we thought we should try and do something more.

“So we set up ‘I AM YES’ and created the ‘Great Things Start With YES’ events in Greenock and the smaller ‘U Aye Yet? How Naw? drop in sessions at various pubs around Inverclyde.

“If any publican would like to host a drop-in session, they should get in touch via our Facebook page, Inverclyde Artists and Musicians for YES.” Neil continued: “Our aim is straightforward — give people a great night out with brilliant music and comedy from some of Inverclyde’s best local ‘Yes’ supporting musicians and artists, while also hearing fantastic and inspirational speakers from other independence campaign groups.

“We are not aligned politically or financially to any party or other independence campaign group.

“Everything we do is for free and, while we hold many different and, occasionally, opposing ideologies within the group, we nevertheless share one fundamental goal — to secure a resounding ‘Yes’ vote in September’s referendum for a fairer, more democratically accountable independent Scotland.

“If anyone wants to get involved with our group, then just ‘like’ our Facebook page and send us a message.” Further concerts will be held at the Albany on 6 September and at Word Up on 11 September.