Students debate Scottish Independence

They're key to the result of the vote on independence, and today 16 to 18-year-olds in the Borders have been exploring the issue of whether Scotland should go it alone.

Students took a break from lessons to attend a debate at Borders College in Galashiels, with local politicians taking questions from the audience.

Our correspondent Hannah McNulty reports:

Students at Borders College took part in a debate on Scottish Independence this morning.

They heard from both sides of the campaign before voting, as they will again in September's referendum.

The students were asked to answer the question 'should Scotland be an independent country?'

• No 61%
• Yes 26%
• Undecided 13%

That compared to the vote before the debate began which showed:

• No 54%
• Yes 11%
• Undecided 32%

Students from the Borders have been quizzing politicians about whether or not Scotland should go it alone.

The independence debate has been taking place at Borders College in Galashiels this morning.

MIchael Moore MP and Paul Wheelhouse MSP are leading the political panel - chaired by ITV Border's Political, Editor Peter MacMahon.

Around 170 Borders College students are attending the debate in Galashiels.

Students have asked questions to the political panel about everything from education, taxes, business, economy, banks and currency. But the biggest laugh was for the question, "would an independent Scotland do better in the Eurovision Song Contest?"

At the end of the debate the students, who will all be able to vote in September's referendum, were asked ''should Scotland be an independent country?'

61% said 'No', 26% 'Yes' and 12% 'Undecided'.

That compared to the vote before the debate began which showed Yes 11% No 54% and Undecided 32%.

Students at Borders College will take part in a debate on Scottish Independence today.

The pupils will be given the chance to hear an overview of both campaigns and ask questions.

After the debate they'll be asked to vote on the referendum question - 'should Scotland be an independent country?' All the students attending will be old enough to vote in the real referendum in September.