AS the run-up to the Scottish elections is now in full swing it is hardly surprising that the European Union Referendum has been very much on the back burner for both politicians and the public.

The June 23 poll is still a long way off but the fact is that this will be a very important issue that will have to be decided.

Perhaps when the new Scottish Government has been installed attention will focus on the EU poll but currently it was if nothing was happening.

When you contrast that to all the hype that went on in the build-up to the Scottish Independence Referendum over a period of two years it really is a big difference.

But the fact is that whether the UK stays in the the EU or not will have a high impact on Scotland.

One would imagine that after May 5 the political parties will turn their attention to the Referendum and the 'fors' and 'againsts' will be out explaining what staying in or going out will mean.

Come June 23 hopefully everyone will have received all the information they need to make a fully informed decision on which way to vote.

But at the same time the parties may have to also get the public's attention on this highly important issue.