A YES-voting pensioner will “take part” in tomorrow’s historic vote (Thu) – the day after his funeral.
The family of Norman McLean, 78, have arranged for a wreath bearing the word “Yes” to be placed outside the polling station at Lasswade Primary School, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian.
The former joiner and grandfather of three from nearby Roslin was looking forward to playing his part in deciding the future of the country.
But Mr McLean, who underwent a kidney transplant four years ago, died suddenly last Tuesday from blood poisoning.
Mr McLean’s funeral is due to take place today (Wed) at Mortonhall Crematorium, Edinburgh, and the Yes wreath will accompany his coffin to the service.
The great-grandfather of one, who lost his wife, Neisa (corr), aged 67, in 2009, will be buried wearing a Yes wristband.
Daughter, Hilary Dunn, 45, said: “We knew straight away that this was how he should be remembered.
“Dad was born in the north and a Scotsman through and through.
“All he talked about when I was growing up was the independence referendum. He lived for this vote and so we had to do something.”
The NHS Lothian nurse is determined to respect her father’s wishes even though she and her husband are “sympathetic” to the No vote.
She added: “We were just so heartbroken that he couldn’t place his vote, mainly because we know he would be absolutely gutted too.”
Hilary said she reassured her father as he was dying.
“I told him that he must look down on the celebrations with pride on the 19th. I told him his heart will be right there with me at the polling station.
“The wreath is his way of saying ‘Yes’ on Thursday. It’s so significant for me because that’s my dad getting his final say.
“We’re going to take it to the local polling station on Thursday. George, my eldest, is going to take it down.
“He can’t put pen to paper but he can be there, right there, at the polls.
“And he can inspire someone else to put a cross in that Yes box.”
