JIM Sillars faced some tough questioning when he toured the area last week in his MargoMobile.

The seasoned orator, and one-time MP for the area, was in Auchinleck, Cumnock, Netherthird and Logan last Monday.

He then headed to the Doon Valley to meet voters in Bellsbank and Patna and hopefully sway them to his cause.

His passionate views blasted from the converted van, dedicated to the memory his late wife Margo McDonald, who also supported independence.

The veteran speaker delivered tough-talking views on currency, pensions, the NHS and any other subject he was asked about.

At each stop Yes supporters, distributed posters, badges and literature.

Mr Sillars was well received throughout the area, with passers-by waving and drivers tooting their car-horns.

At the last stop, in Patna, Jim and the MargoMobile were especially well received – many people coming out from their homes when the PA blasted into life. They gathered round the vehicle and when Jim finished his speech he was acclaimed with a loud roar from the clapping, cheering crowd.

Later that evening, in Patna Community Centre, Mr Sillars was joined by Alex Neil MSP and Jeanne Freeman, former aide to Jack McConnell and leading light of Women for Independence, for a public meeting to discuss the future.

The meeting was hosted by Adam Ingram MSP and was, although sometimes raucous, good natured – possibly because the overwhelming number of those attending seemed to be leaning towards a Yes vote.

However, the three speakers had to answer many tough questions from a well-informed and vociferous audience.

Mr Neil, Ms Freeman and Mr Sillars all gave compelling reasons why they believe Scotland should be Independent, and at the end of the evening received a hearty round of applause from supporters, less so from those who remained unmoved by the oratory.

On the Wednesday night, Mr Sillars was back again - once more with Alex Neil and Jeanne Freeman - this time in Auchinleck’s Boswell Centre where more questions were volleyed, more answers given.

Not everyone was convinced by the rhetoric but there was no denying the power and the passion.