‘Party Bus’ to prompt referendum discussion

A “Party Bus,” carrying musicians, actors, artists and writers, is due to arrive in the county tomorrow, Sunday, asking the question, “What kind of Scotland do you want?”

As the referendum on independence approaches, the bus is heading out on the road for “The Listening Lugs Tour.”

Scottish folk singers, Karine Polwart and Mairi Campbell will be joined by novelist James Robertson; journalist, Neal Ascherson; broadcaster Billy Kay; and promoters David Francis and Hamish Moore, when the bus calls at the Pier Arts Centre.

In the week leading up to the 1997 referendum on devolution, a group of artists and writers led by William McIlvanney, Neal Ascherson and Billy Kay toured the country by bus, using music and poetry to open conversations with communities throughout Scotland about their hopes for the future.

Now, as the referendum on independence approaches, the Bus Party is back on the road — not to preach or convert, we are assured — but again to offer the opportunity for discussion.