THE grassroots campaign in the Borders for Independence continued to gather momentum with the formation of a ninth local group dedicated to ensuring a Yes vote in September.

Yes Melrose joins similar campaign groups across the length and breadth of the region following a successful launch in the town attended by around 30 local activists.

James Aitken spoke on behalf of Yes Scottish Borders at the Melrose event.

“I detected an abundant supply of enthusiasm and energy for the campaign ahead”, said Mr Aitken.

Yes Melrose joins Yes Scottish Borders, Yes Gala, Yes Tweeddale, Yes Selkirk, Yes Berwickshire, Yes Hawick, Yes Kelso and Yes Tweedbank campaigning in the Scottish Borders.

Alistair White, a member of Yes Melrose, explained how the local group was formed after contact was made with Yes Gala. He commented: “It was great to see new faces at our first public event. We had delivered a Yes Scotland newspaper in Melrose and hope it was well received.

“We are looking forward to meeting again in the near future to start organising local events and activities to raise the profile of those seeking a Yes vote in the referendum.

“This is simply too important an issue for Scotland to lose and independence will provide an outstanding opportunity to correct so much that is wrong because of our current position within the UK. Any risks associated with this step are outweighed considerably by the benefits.” The Yes Melrose group, and other similar local organisations, can be contacted via the Yes Scotland website at www.yesscotland.net or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YesMelrose