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Scottish independence referendum by phone: 'Even yes voters were polite' Scottish independence referendum by phone: 'Even yes voters were polite'
(4 months later)
I must confess that I was a bit sniffy back in February when David Cameron suggested phoning a friend to save the union. Now, Blether Together events are a regular thing across Scotland as part of the pro-union Better Together campaign.I must confess that I was a bit sniffy back in February when David Cameron suggested phoning a friend to save the union. Now, Blether Together events are a regular thing across Scotland as part of the pro-union Better Together campaign.
On Monday evening, I met local volunteers who had pitched up at Helensburgh Rugby Club to grab a few sheets of equally local phone numbers (mainly sourced from the electoral roll) and take those who weren't too busy having their tea through a list of questions about whether, how and why they intend to vote on September 18th.On Monday evening, I met local volunteers who had pitched up at Helensburgh Rugby Club to grab a few sheets of equally local phone numbers (mainly sourced from the electoral roll) and take those who weren't too busy having their tea through a list of questions about whether, how and why they intend to vote on September 18th.
This data is carefully noted down and will of course be hugely useful to Better Together in terms of more targeted canvassing and getting their supporters to the polling booth on the day itself.This data is carefully noted down and will of course be hugely useful to Better Together in terms of more targeted canvassing and getting their supporters to the polling booth on the day itself.
The responses I've had go from hanging up, to haven't made up their minds, though nobody's been definitely yes tonight. Women are more willing to talk to you about it than men. A lot of people say they are worried about their pensions, and what's going to happen when the money runs out.The responses I've had go from hanging up, to haven't made up their minds, though nobody's been definitely yes tonight. Women are more willing to talk to you about it than men. A lot of people say they are worried about their pensions, and what's going to happen when the money runs out.
I can't say I like calling up people cold, but I feel very strongly about it. The yes campaign are everywhere and if we don't get out there then people will think they won't bother voting because we've lost already. In any situation in life, the people who want to break away make the most noise.I can't say I like calling up people cold, but I feel very strongly about it. The yes campaign are everywhere and if we don't get out there then people will think they won't bother voting because we've lost already. In any situation in life, the people who want to break away make the most noise.
I think that if we do break away its going to be acrimonious for a long time. My neighbour just put up a huge Saltire outside his house, and our other neighbours are English. My friend and her daughter have agreed not to talk about it.I think that if we do break away its going to be acrimonious for a long time. My neighbour just put up a huge Saltire outside his house, and our other neighbours are English. My friend and her daughter have agreed not to talk about it.
Margaret Whitham, retired (pictured above, with phone)Margaret Whitham, retired (pictured above, with phone)
This is my first time. A few people nearly told me to bugger off. I just feel we need to make the effort. I've been out delivering [Better Together] newspapers, but I wanted to do something a bit more proactive than running away from dogs. This is my first time. A few people nearly told me to bugger off. I just feel we need to make the effort. I've been out delivering [Better Together] newspapers, but I wanted to do something a bit more proactive than running away from dogs.
Some people are more polite than others, a few were a bit rude, one or two were undecided, and the people voting yes are utterly yes. This is a very noisy room so it's hard to be meaningful about the questions.Some people are more polite than others, a few were a bit rude, one or two were undecided, and the people voting yes are utterly yes. This is a very noisy room so it's hard to be meaningful about the questions.
In my circle of friends, I know about a third are voting for independence. It is divisive. If you can't discuss it and agree to disagree then it's better not to have the conversation.In my circle of friends, I know about a third are voting for independence. It is divisive. If you can't discuss it and agree to disagree then it's better not to have the conversation.
Above every other emotion, this referendum has made me feel sad. There's more that unites us in this world than divides us, and it is very regrettable sowing divisions where there don't need to be any.Above every other emotion, this referendum has made me feel sad. There's more that unites us in this world than divides us, and it is very regrettable sowing divisions where there don't need to be any.
Carol Rudram, retired teacher (pictured above, centre)Carol Rudram, retired teacher (pictured above, centre)
This is my second time on the phones. The people I've spoken to tonight were overwhelmingly no, but even the yes voters were polite. People regularly say that they are fed up with the SNP scare-mongering; they are seen as negative now.This is my second time on the phones. The people I've spoken to tonight were overwhelmingly no, but even the yes voters were polite. People regularly say that they are fed up with the SNP scare-mongering; they are seen as negative now.
I think independence is a solution looking for a problem to solve. I've always been a proud Scot but a proud Briton as well. It's a huge threat to our way of life. It angers me that we would risk a lot of things we take for granted now.I think independence is a solution looking for a problem to solve. I've always been a proud Scot but a proud Briton as well. It's a huge threat to our way of life. It angers me that we would risk a lot of things we take for granted now.
Angus Young, admiralty pilotAngus Young, admiralty pilot
Read other Campaign Bites from Better Together Crieff, Yes Benarty, Radical Independence Inverness and the Big Indy Ref debate in Glasgow.Read other Campaign Bites from Better Together Crieff, Yes Benarty, Radical Independence Inverness and the Big Indy Ref debate in Glasgow.