The most significant political decision in the history of our country...

I was pleased that at last month’s Education & Communities Committee the Council agreed a plan to raise awareness of the Independence Referendum in schools for pupils who will be 16 or older on the date of the poll – Thursday 18 September.

Regardless of party or personal opinion we have a responsibility to support young people to understand the referendum process and to support them in registering and becoming familiar with the electoral process.

Representatives of the Electoral Commission will visit schools over the next few months and a couple of ‘Question Time’ sessions will be arranged for pupils involving representatives from both campaigns - ‘Better Together’ and ‘Yes Scotland’ - over the summer months.

All secondary schools have already been issued with a Curriculum for Excellence briefing paper providing information and guidance for teachers regarding the broad theme of political literacy. There are also details of the benefits of using current events such as the independence referendum and young people undertaking Modern Studies will also look at political literacy within their core curriculum.

These plans I am sure will inform our young people allowing them to exercise their democratic right for the first time.

We cannot underestimate how big a decision these young people face. It is the most significant democratic decision in the history of our country. Some of us may have voted for the first time at a local or national election. These young people will be participating in a vote that could change their lives for ever, for better or for worse.

Two of my sons will be voting for the first time this year. My oldest will get in some practise in May's European elections before the 'big one' in September. I will do my best to ensure that they both get good parental guidance before they cast their votes.