Wednesday, September 10 OUR team hit the streets of Johnstone and Barrhead to ask voters their views ahead of Thursday’s referendum and it was clear from the responses that people on both sides of the argument over Scotland’s future are equally passionate and sincere in their belief that they are going to act in the best interests of Scotland. What’s also clear is that the consequences of the vote, whatever the result, will not become obvious until much further down the line. Much has been said about the way people have engaged with the process and we’re told that 97 per cent of the Scottish population has registered to vote. That really is a victory for democracy but it will be fascinating to see if the same numbers head to the polling stations when the next general election comes along. Let’s hope people feel empowered and continue to participate in the political process whatever the outcome on September 18. By coincidence we bumped into Jim Murphy MP who was in Barrhead on the home stretch of his 100 day tour round Scotland. The sun was shining down and a bronzed-looking Jim commented that the weather had been kind for the duration of his mission to promote the value of staying in the union. Will the sun continue to shine on September 19, one wonders? We’ll know soon enough, one way or t’other.

Thursday, September 11 THE political battle that’s been dominating the country’s collective consciousness suddenly paled into insignificance when the news of a heartbreaking tragedy in Linwood began to filter through. Eilish Herron’s passing triggered an outpouring of sadness and sympathy for a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her. Thousands have since expressed condolences to Eilish’s family through a Facebook page set up in her memory. We too pass on our heartfelt sympathies and hope the flood of kind words that flowed in the wake of the accident provide some solace to Eilish’s family and friends.

Friday, September 12 I returned home on Friday to find a card had been placed through my letterbox by a delivery man who arrived with a parcel when I wasn’t at home. I picked up the card expecting see that he had passed the item into a neighbour or provided details for me to collect it at a later date. No such luck. It seems this chap was having something of a hectic day for the only detail he provided was a hastily scribbled note that simply read: “In tree”. I popped my head outside and lo and behold there was a brown cardboard box carefully secreted in a nearby hedge. I would have complained but no damage was done and the laugh it gave me more than made up for it.

Saturday, September 13 I took a walk through the city centre on Saturday on a mundane errand that distracted my mind temporarily away from the forthcoming vote. However, as soon as I left my car and made my way through Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street the masses of campaigners promoting their cause made it impossible not to consider the momentous event that is about to take place. There was a carnival atmosphere amongst the many yes supporters who gathered in the shadow of the Donald Dewar statute that overlooks Glasgow’s busiest thoroughfare. I couldn’t help asking myself what the former first minister would have to say about what is happening in his country. No doubt those closest to Mr Dewar would have their own thoughts on the matter but I’d like to think he would be proud to see his fellow Scots engaging in the political process in such overwhelming numbers. The campaign has been largely fought respectfully, with the odd notable exception, so let’s hope a spirit of co-operation prevails when the nation wakes up to the result on Friday morning.

Sunday, September 14 NEWS junkies tend to get their biggest fix on a Sunday when the daily papers are bulging with comment, conjecture and the usual dollop of exclusive news stories to keep them all topped up for the week ahead. I fall into that category but even I found it a struggle to wade through the reams and reams of copy dedicated to the referendum. It seems like it’s the only thing we’re talking about at the moment. Fatigue is starting to set in.

Monday, September 15 POLITICS has dominated our lives for so long now, it’s hardly surprising that some social media forums have banned all chat about the referendum. We made the mistake of asking one too many questions about the forthcoming vote and one reader gave us a well-intended rap on the knuckles. There was only one thing for it. To finally answer a question that’s been on everyone’s lips since the beginning of time and splits the country right down the middle like no other. What’s it to be readers? Square or links? No doubt the sausage pollsters will have something to say about it.

Tuesday, September 16 BY the time our papers hit the streets it will be one more sleep before the country goes to the polls and the next time we’re on deadline day we’ll know one way or the other which way Scotland has chosen to go. No matter what the outcome, it’s safe to say we’re living in interesting times. Let’s hope it all proves to be worthwhile and we can look forward to the future with optimism.