2014-09-18 16:51:00

Scottish priest gives a snapshot of polling day for the historic independence referendum


(Vatican Radio)  The people of Scotland are flocking to the polls to choose whether or not their nation becomes independent or remains as part of the United Kingdom.  But what was the atmosphere like amongst the voters on this historic day that will decide Scotland’s future?  Among those who queued up to vote in Thursday’s referendum was Father Tom  Boyle, Assistant Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Scotland and a parish priest in Paisley near Glasgow.  He spoke to Susy Hodges afterwards about his feelings.

Listen to the full interview with Father Tom Boyle: 

Calling it “a momentous day” for Scotland, Father Boyle said there were long queues at his local polling station but described the atmosphere as “lovely” with people from different sides of the campaign “chatting away to each other” in a friendly and good-natured manner. 

Regardless of the outcome of the election, Father Boyle said the massive interest in the independence campaign by all Scots had helped bring about “a fantastic re-invigoration of political life” in his homeland and said he hoped this interest would continue afterwards.  

Speaking as a parish priest, he said it’s incumbent upon all Christians to help promote “reconciliation and healing” after a divisive campaign.

“We’re all part of Scotland and we need to work together to ensure that the new Scotland, whatever it is, is a Scotland full of Christian values of reconciliation, harmony and peace.” 








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