EDINBURGH, Sept 15 — Leading Scottish bands including Franz Ferdinand and Mogwai were took to the stage yesterday to urge people to vote “Yes” in this week’s too close to call independence referendum.
The sold out “A Night For Scotland” event at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall came amid a final push for votes in the ballot, which takes place on Thursday.
Opinion polls this weekend have indicated that the result could go either way.
Other acts performing at the venue, which has a standing capacity of nearly 3,000, included Frightened Rabbit and Deacon Blue singers Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh.
Performers met Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who has been leading the “Yes” campaign, ahead of the event.
Before the concert started, a couple of hundred fans from a wide age range gathered outside the venue waving mini Scottish flags and wearing “Yes” badges.
Calum Forbes, a 22-year-old recent graduate and “Yes” supporter who was attending the gig, said: “People are excited. The ‘Yes’ camp I feel are more invigorated but I’m personally terrified of being complacent.”
Angela Crawley, a 27-year-old volunteer for the “Yes” campaign who was handing out leaflets to fans, added that the mood in the camp was positive.
“They have been promoting social justice, fairness, and I think ‘No’ (campaign) has been negative so I think any artist would be inspired by that,” she said.
A statement from Mogwai ahead of the event said: “This is a really exciting time for Scotland and it’s great to be part of this event to campaign for #VoteYes in such an iconic venue with some top Scottish talent.” — AFP
