Scottish independence: Key dates on the road to a referendum

The dates that could sway the referendum debate...

3 May 2012

Scottish local elections. If the SNP takes Glasgow, it gains a platform for independence drive.

2 June 2012

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Likely to increase pro-UK sentiments, though not for anti-monarchists.

27 July 2012

London Olympics open. Some feel Scotland has paid too much and will benefit little, while others are likely to throw their weight behind team GB.

August 2013

If Westminster attachs a “sunset clause” to the legal conditions under which the Scottish Government can hold a referendum, it has been widely reported that the time limit could be within 18 months, making some time in August 2013 a potential deadline.

24 June 2014

As Scotland celebrates victory over England at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, patriotism is likely to be at a high.

23 July 2014

Commonwealth Games open in Glasgow, giving Scotland its own chance to show its sporting credentials.

2014-2016

The SNP has pledged to hold a vote on independence in the second half of the current Parliament - some time between 2014 and 2016.