LEADING players in the Scottish hospitality industry have broadly signalled their intention to vote No in the forthcoming independence referendum, though many in the sector are undecided.
That was the outcome of polling held before and after a debate on Scotland's constitutional future staged by the Institute of Hospitality, BHA (British Hospitality Association) Scotland, the Scottish Tourism Alliance and law firm Tods Murray in Glasgow yesterday.
An audience of 100 hospitality professionals attended the event, held at Glasgow Caledonian University, including hoteliers Hans Rissmann, managing director of the Townhouse Collection, and Stephen Leckie, chief executive of Crieff Hydro.
It featured speeches by Scottish tourism minister Fergus Ewing, making the case for the Yes vote, and Scotland Office minister David Mundell, speaking on behalf of Better Together.
Asked to confirm their voting intentions before the debate, 34 of those who took part in the poll said they planned to vote no, four said yes and 21 were undecided.
Polled after the debate, the number planning to vote no fell to 33, with those opting for yes rising to six and 17 saying they were undecided.
Katie Corrigan, head of hospitality and leisure at Tods Murray, said: "From the vote at the event there is clearly a tendency towards a No vote.
"However, this was very much a snapshot and the discussion has provided much for all to think about.
"Whatever the outcome on September 18, one thing that is clear is the sector will do what it does best and move ahead with energy and enthusiasm."
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