My reasons for remaining in EU
There has been quite a change in the topic of media coverage of politics in Scotland in the last few weeks.
Up until the election on May 5, the key subject of debate was the Scottish election and the impact on the governance of the people of Scotland.
Almost immediately, the focus of the media changed to the EU referendum which, of course, also has a significant effect on the governance of the people of Scotland.
The issues that are now currently being debated in Scotland have been the subject of a much longer debate in the rest of the United Kingdom.
There has been significant speculation about the level of public interest and participation in the EU referendum.
The referendum on Scottish independence, held in 2014, captivated public interest. The issues at stake were the subject of discussion on buses, in cafes, at work, at home and in numerous well-attended public gatherings.
The level of involvement and excitement that went with the independence referendum drove a very high level of registration for the vote and an 85% turnout on the day. These were outstanding levels of public engagement and participation.
I fear the same cannot be said of the EU referendum. There are just over two weeks to go but there are not the visible signs of car stickers, window posters and general conversation to suggest involvement is as high. That is a concern because the issues are of real significance.
First and foremost, I would urge everyone to participate in the referendum.
Although I did not think a referendum on this issue was necessary, I recognise our EU membership has been a live and divisive part of political debate for a long time and now that it is happening needs to be addressed.
I argue that we should remain members of the EU for two principal reasons.
Firstly, the EU brings with it free movement of people and goods. This means that we have the opportunity to trade freely in other EU countries without needing to overcome barriers and obstacles of market access. It means as citizens we are free to travel and live and work in any part of the EU we choose. These are great advantages. But they are accompanied by the same freedoms for EU citizens which cause concerns for some within our society.
For my part, our country is enriched by the participation of people from other EU countries in the same way as we are free to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Secondly, I believe many of the social and economic reforms that protect the interests of people in our country have been achieved by our participation in the EU. These changes have created a better working climate for citizens in Scotland.
These are my views. I offer them to help the debate. I offer them to be positive about the stance I take.
If I could encourage one thing about the EU debate is for a more positive case to be made on both sides.
That way I think people will participate and we will have a decisive result.