Yesterday, March 22nd 2014, Shetland's renowned Althing Debating Society, which takes its name from an Old Norse word for 'general assembly', debated the motion "The time is right for Scottish independence".

The opening vote was:

FOR 58
AGAINST 57
UNDECIDED 31

Putting forward the case for saying Yes to Scottish independence were Mike MacKenzie MSP and Danus Skene, Vice Convener of the Shetland SNP branch. Arguing the Better Together position were Alistair Carmichael MP and Dr. Ian Duncan, Conservative MEP candidate.

Following the debate, the results were as follows:

FOR 70
AGAINST 48
UNDECIDED 22

6 people left before the final vote.

This translates to 50% Yes, 34% No, and 16% Don't Know. When Don't Know's are excluded, it represents 59% supporting Yes, with 41% favouring Better Together.

This is clearly a very heartwarming result as far as the Yes Campaign is concerned, particularly coming from Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael's constituency. It reflects the hard work being done by Yes Shetland, and shows that the arguments put forward by the Yes campaign are persuading many undecided voters, and even some of those previously inclined to vote No.

A similar debate held in Orkney by Stromness Debating Society recently achieved a result of 67 Yes, 25 No, and 12 Don't Know. On that occasion John Aberdein was representing Yes Orkney, with Liam McArthur MSP for Better Together.