News Digest

Battle to sway ‘undecideds’ on the eve of Scotland’s date with destiny

The two rival referendum campaigns have issued a final rallying call to undecided voters in Scotland, as they prepare to decide the future of the United Kingdom in tomorrow’s historic ballot. With less than 24 hours to go until polls open, those for and against independence have been on the streets of Scotland for one last day of frantic campaigning. Former prime minister Gordon Brown - who has been key in securing a fast tracked pledge for more powers for Holyrood if the result is No - made a passionate appeal to Better Together activists in Glasgow

Our patriotic vision is up against a nationalist vision that only has one aim in mind - to break up every single constitutional and political link with our friends and neighbours.

Former prime minister Gordon Brown

Polls continue to suggest that the referendum contest is going down to the wire, with three separate surveys last night all putting support for No narrowly ahead on 52%, with 48% for Yes. Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond is expected to make his final case for independence in a speech in Perth this evening. There have been allegations of intimidation on the final day of campaigning, with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg saying he had heard of “some pretty nasty incidents and some pretty extraordinary things said”. Alistair Darling, who has led the No campaign, said some of the “nastiness going on in this campaign, is to suggest that somehow you can only be Scottish if you support Alex Salmond”.

My confidence is based on what’s happening in the streets and communities around Scotland, I think there’s a very substantial movement towards yes.

SNP leader Alex Salmond