ONE of the defining factors of the Yes DIY movement is that we leave the po-faces to the Unionists and enjoy ourselves even as we make the serious points about independence.
In Castle Douglas on Saturday they are going to make it an Aye Night with a difference, featuring speakers and entertainers organised by the Yes Stewartry group.
Our very own Paul Kavanagh and his Wee Ginger Dug will top the bill on an evening chaired by local author Karen Campbell.
The local makar Susi Briggs will no doubt contribute some of her poetry and stories, while Amanda Burgauer of Scottish Rural Action is sure to address the issues that face Castle Douglas and the Stewartry in general.
Musicians such as guitarist Preston Reed, Scottish singer-songwriter Nicola Black, and Lee McQueen and The Bogle Mufties band will provide suitable entertainment.
Last but not least, the evening will hear from Stuart Paterson, BBC Scotland poet in residence and keen promoter of the Scots language.
The event will take place at Castle Douglas Town Hall in St Andrew Street at 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 on the door, and concessions are available.
Yes Stewartry said: “There will be a raffle on the night and while food is included, in the ticket price, please bring your own bottle.”
The group added that 50 per cent of any profits will be donated to local food banks.
Tickets can be reserved at AyeNight.eventbrite.co.uk.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here