IT’S A game changer! Now we know the Chinese premier, Li Keqiang, is against Scottish independence there is only one question. What happens to the pandas?
Forget the economics, forget the democratic arguments, everything comes down to Tian Tian and Yang Guang. If we vote Yes, will we have them cruelly packed up and shipped away from Edinburgh?
If we vote No will we be granted, as likeable former Yes Scotland director Susan Stewart joked, two animals who actually know how to breed?
I jest, of course, but there is a serious point about the independence debate. It is easy to believe it has been dragged into the gutter all too often because, frankly, both campaigns have let us down on multiple occasions.
However, I felt rather uplifted after a chat with Dr Matt Qvortrup ahead of our Courier Debates event in Perth. He said this was the most informed electorate he has ever seen around a referendum.
The gaps in our knowledge become more obvious to us as we gather more information, he told me. As the workings of the Netherlands’ second chamber was discussed a couple of hours later I found it hard to disagree.
This referendum campaign has been far from perfect but a big pat on the back to all those engaging with the issues. You’re doing your country proud, whatever your view on the vote.