A YES group will attempt to make Tory voters see the merits of independence with the help of a new event.

Dumfries and Galloway Pensioners for Independence will host the Winning Over Conservative Voters to Yes event tomorrow at the Aberdour Hotel, 16-20 Newall Terrace, Dumfries, from 1pm until 3pm.

Organiser Ian Richmond said the idea for the meeting was inspired by an article by SNP activist Julie Hepburn in The National (Don’t forget we need to convince Tory voters to win independence, July 7). Hepburn wrote: “We need to stress that it is possible to be a Conservative voter, while rejecting the Unionist bit. Independence is an inclusive concept that everyone in Scotland can get behind.”

READ MORE: Don’t forget we need to convince Tory voters to win independence

Richmond said: “It is of particular relevance to us here in the south-west with a history of Conservative voting. Both Westminster seats are held by Conservatives.

“Farm subsidies and EU trade might lead Conservative voters to contemplate the prospect of being in an independent Scotland being entirely compatible with their views.

“After all, even local MP David Mundell campaigned to remain part of the EU.”

Dumfries and Galloway Pensioners for Independence was formed in April to inform discussion about issues during the independence debate, particularly those which are of interest to people at or approaching retirement age.

Richmond says the group believes “power in the hands of the Scottish people is in the best interests of all its people”.