AN independence summit, initially delayed, has been called off altogether.

Organisers of the Progress to Yes conference said that circumstances had been too much to work around and the event had to be called off.

Refunds have been issued to anyone who had bought a ticket, the Aberdeen Independence Movement (AIM) said.

The event had initially been set to take place at the Aberdeen Altens Hotel on the weekend of February 25 and 26. However, it was postponed by a month to allow for the SNP’s planned Special Democracy Conference to take place first.

This March 19 event would have seen SNP members vote on how best to move forward, whether it be through a de facto referendum or another means.

But in the wake of Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation as First Minister, that party conference has also been delayed.

With the SNP leadership race to see who will replace her ongoing and not due to conclude until March 27, AIM said they had cancelled their Progress to Yes summit altogether.

In a statement on social media, organiser Alan Petrie said: “We are really disappointed to have to pull the Progress to Yes conference. But circumstances have well and truly beat us this time.

“We apologise to those who have purchased tickets and supported us. Full refunds have been issued and will be in your bank account by the end of the next week.”