Independence round-up: Currency

For the latest on the Scottish independence debate, visit our dedicated referendum website. Picture: TSPL

Alex Salmond repeatedly defended the SNP’s plan for a currency union between an independent Scotland and the remainder of the UK as he told MSPs that “it’s our pound and we’re keeping it” at First Minister’s Questions.

In the day’s other main story, more than 200 celebrities and public figures have urged Scotland to vote No in the referendum on whether the country should leave the UK.

Sir Mick Jagger, Sir Bruce Forsyth, Dame Judi Dench, Simon Cowell and Professor Stephen Hawking are among the famous names to sign an open letter ahead of the vote next month.

Our Scottish independence site showcases some of the best comment, analysis and opinion from across the web; here are some of our favourite articles from the last 24 hours of the debate.

• Chantal Hébert: Under Scottish rules, Quebec separatists wouldn’t stand a chance

Chantal Hébert of the Toronto Star examines the movements for independence in Scotland and Quebec, the differing approaches used by pro-independence campaigners, and the relative chances of independence for either group in this piece for Nova Scotia paper The Chronicle Herald.

• Deborah Orr: Scottish independence would not spark a War of the Worlds

To win the Scottish independence referendum, Alex Salmond and the ‘Yes’ campaign need to pose a vote for independence as the start of a process of reform rather than a call for separation, writes Deborah Orr in this piece for The Guardian.

• The Scots in England who want Scotland to go it alone

The BBC’s Nick Eardley profiles some of the Scots supporting a ‘Yes’ vote in next month’s independence referendum, despite living and working in England.

• Danny Dorling: Break-up of union will be painful

Danny Dorling, Halford Mackinder professor of geography at the University of Oxford, looks at the clash of cultures between higher education institutions north and south of the border, and the potentially serious repercussions of a vote for Scottish independence on those in England.

• Liam Clarke: Even a No vote by Scotland will lead to Northern Ireland tremors

Liam Clarke, political editor of the Belfast Telegraph, looks at the Scottish independence referendum debate, and looks at the possible fallout for Northern Ireland from a ‘No’ vote next month.

• Stephen Daisley: Warning against despondency and complacency after TV debate

Stephen Daisley of STV looks at the impact of Tuesday’s TV debate on both the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ camps, highlighting Alistair Darling’s unexpectedly combative style and the contributions of the debate audience.

• Mark Hennessey: Salmond withers in TV debate as Darling buds

Mark Hennessey of the Irish Times reviews Tuesday night’s debate between Alistair Darling and Alex Salmond, suggesting that while both men had their moments Darling appeared to give a better showing.

• Bill Jamieson: Salmond is ahead in the long game

Alex Salmond’s leadership of the ‘Yes’ campaign for Scottish independence has changed the terms of political debate in the UK, writes Bill Jamieson.

Independence round-up: Currency | Celebrities