THERE was a real community feel at a Scottish independence event in Alloa at the weekend, according to organisers.

Yes in the Community took place on Saturday, September 14, with a family procession from the train station to the Bowmar Centre heralding the event.

The focus at the centre was on how independence could be a tool to transform the community and how it could impact positively, facilitating change for the better – explained organiser Chick Hosie from the Yes Clacks group.

He hailed it a "great success", bringing "community empowerment right to the centre of the campaign for Scottish self determination".

Chick added: "This was a day for the family to enjoy themselves, but also reflect on the future of Clackmannanshire and consider what we want independence to achieve."

A Declaration of Clackmannanshire was also created.

The activist, who spoke about his group's work in the area and its campaign on Universal Credit, explained: "The Declaration of Clackmannanshire exercise has highlighted a raft of local community aspirations and Yes Clacks will draw up a document for local distribution which states what local people want in their community in the near future and within an independent Scotland."

Speakers on the day included local MSP Keith Brown, co-leader of the Scottish Greens Lorna Slater and former Scottish Socialist MSP Rosie Kane McGarvey, who all gave their visions for a new Scotland.

There was some excellent live entertainment as well with people dancing to Amanda Brown, Pete Scally, The Graham Brown Band, Kevin Gore, Sharyn McGregor and Leaving Banks.

The community café on the day featured tasty samples of Syrian food from local refugees who also delivered a saltire decorated cake.

The day ended with a visit from the YesBikers who roared into the Bowmar area.