Yes Scotland 'I WAS very pleased to be among approximately 200 people who attended a Yes Scotland Question Time at the Dell Farquharson Centre, in Dunfermline. We had the opportunity to ask the panel questions about why they support Independence and what it would mean for them.

The panel included Allan Grogan of Labour for Independence, Derek Durkin representing Trade Unionists for Independence, Cowdenbeath-born former Labour MP Dennis Canavan, Ivan McKee of Business for Scotland and Tasmina Ahmed Skeikh of Women for Independence.

The audience asked an impressive variety of questions. Contrary to suggestions from critics that people have become apathetic towards the referendum, Fifers are considering both the big and small questions about how Independence could impact their lives. The responses from the panel, none of whom have vested interests in party politics, were very honest and pragmatic.

I hope more events like this will be held locally so people can engage with the referendum debate. The referendum presents Scottish voters with a once in a lifetime opportunity to choose whether we would like to remain part of the Westminster system or whether we want all the decisions made about Scotland to be made in Scotland.

Mossmorran I recently visited the Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran with Lochgelly and Cardenden Councillor, Ian Chisholm, for a site review and discussion.

This provided a much needed opportunity to speak face-to-face with Plant Manager, Tim Steadman, and Ian Hackers, the Community Affairs Manager. I receive lots of correspondence from Dunfermline area constituents with such concerns related to the plant as flaring.

During the visit, I was briefed on ethylene production, from heating the ethane to the distillation processes that yield pure ethylene. Tim Steadman explained that the plant produces around 830,000 tonnes of ethylene a year, which goes on to be used in the creation and manufacture of everyday items such as plastics, toiletries, medical supplies and car components. The key words in the operation of the whole plant are "Process Safety" which feature in all aspects of production.

Moreover, I was impressed by the contribution ExxonMobil makes to the local economy by providing 180 permanent jobs and opportunities for more than 50 contractors and 20 apprenticeships. Local community groups and initiatives such as Project Scotland, Fife Society for the Blind, Craigencalt Ecology Centre and Safe Drive Stay Alive have benefitted from the �1.4 million that ExxonMobil has donated over the last 10 years.

Whilst I was given assurances regarding the safety and environmental impact of the plant, I recognise that this is, and will continue to be, a concern for many of my constituents. I shall remain in contact with ExxonMobil to help ensure that constituents are fully informed about what is occurring at the plant'.