Scottish independence: River City star voting Yes

ONE OF the stars of soap opera River City has announced she will be voting Yes in the independence referendum.

Actress Carmen Pieraccini, who plays Kelly-Marie Adams in the TV show, said she believed leaving the UK would help bring about “hundreds of positive changes”.

The 34-year-old from Paisley spoke out before taking part in the pro-independence campaign group Yes Scotland’s Burns Supper in Edinburgh tonight.

She declared her support, saying: “I firmly believe those three wee letters, Y-E-S, will bring with it hundreds of positive changes to Scotland.”

She added: “I am thrilled that my first ever Burns Supper will be with Yes Scotland and I’m also very proud to have been asked to say the Selkirk Grace.

“I truly believe a Yes vote will help bring real equality for the people of Scotland. For too long I feel we have been governed by Westminster governments that haven’t listened to us.

“I’m tired of all the broken promises and lies. I’m tired of the bankers paying themselves bonuses and I’m tired of more and more cuts being made to welfare and the arts. It’s heartbreaking to see more food banks being used in Scotland and it’s not right that so many people are struggling to make ends meet even when they have jobs. It’s not good enough and I want to help do something about it.”

Ms Pieraccini also made a special plea to 16 and 17-year-olds to cast their ballot, saying it was “exciting” that the referendum gave them the chance to “participate in the decision-making of the future of Scotland”.

She said: “I would urge everybody who is 16 or over to use their vote and actively participate. Whatever the outcome will be on September 18, one thing is certain - it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we must make the most of it.”