Those nutters that stand outside markies

Like most emotionally repressed and pitifully introverted Aberdonians, my default mode is to shamefully avoid eye contact with the weird and wonderful folk that stand outside Markies, trying to engage passers by in their cause as us public stride through Aberdeen's longstanding flagstoned soapbox. It must be hard to engage with folk that are entirely focussed on getting the next bus home, or on buying that must have Topshop tank top, or making their fly cup date at the Art Gallery café for a fine piece with their pal Ethel.

Although I've never been rude - I've even been known to offer a smile or two and on occasion give a donation, acts that are generally not associated with Aberdonians - we all seem to have an innate ability to body swerve the soap boxers.

Today I was one of those nutters outside markies. I was nervous all day beforehand. My co-volunteer on the afternoon shift on the Women for Independence stall was a veteran of engaging in gorilla stop-and-chat tactics, a big smile being her key weapon. I wasnae so brave and preferred to talk people through their questions on the referendum once they were directed to the stall. It was an interesting experience and then some. Stand out moments included the teenage boy who walked purposely over, donated some money, smiled and walked away without saying a word, or the many dads with kids in tow telling us they were out and out yessers, donating, thanking us for being there and asking for leaflets for their partners. Then there were all the first time voters that stopped to ask questions, or the ladies who were really struggling with their decision and were keen to hear more. I loved the folk that made a beeline for us asking if they could get involved, male and female alike, and walking away wearing their newly acquired Yes badges with huge smiles.

I would say on the whole, of all the folk we talked to, there were more yessers, a lot of undecideds veering to yes and a minority of No. The low point had to be the UKIP lady, who was militant and uninformed in equal measure, sigh. And about those no's? Well although small in number they seemed to be women of a certain age, over 60's very well put together, exuding economic comfort and very happy with the status quo, specifically their status (quo). Sadly they were also the rudest. Luckily they were the minority; from young to old, English to Scottish, the ayes to the naws, the majority were lovely to speak to, making us laugh and giving us a boost to keep going. The rain even held off - again, that's not very Aberdonian either.

A change of pace in the evening, with good neighbours soon to be leaving Scotland round for some Eurovision laughing, a lovely meal from Dave and chit chat.