18 days to go

After a lovely meal with my very kind hosts on Islay - the Rozga family - after the debate last night it was a wrench to be up at 5.45 am in order to catch the early ferry from Port Askaig.

But it was worth it because I got to Cowal Games by lunchtime and had an enjoyable time with the new main sponsors, the Scottish Salmon Company , as well as a good walk round the field (pictured here) and the town talking to many people. and watching the contests , the street activity and the passage of several pipe bands. The sun also shone, which was remarked on by many we met, as local lore asserts that if it is fine for the Rothesay Games - as it was last Saturday - then it will always be wet for Cowal (and vica versa).

YES badges were in evidence everywhere but in contrast a small group of NO campaigners just along from the Co-op (largely talking to themselves) had gone by the time we returned from the stadium, which was a surprise not only to Cathleen & I but also to Alan Reid the local Lib Dem MP who couldn't find them when he turned up to campaign.