Salmond and Moore set date for key talks

Alex Salmond will hold talks on the independence referendum with the Scottish Secretary next Friday.

The discussions, which will take place in Edinburgh, come after the First Minister wrote to Michael Moore over the meeting. The Scotland Office confirmed that the two men would meet in the Scottish Parliament on 27 January.

The discussions will take place two days after the Scottish Government launches its consultation document setting out its referendum plans.

Holyrood ministers have already revealed that they want a vote on the country’s constitutional future to take place in the autumn of 2014. The talks could pave the way for discussions between Mr Salmond and the Prime Minister on the referendum.