Scottish independence: Momentum with No

The heads of the Yes and no campaign clashed at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery in a TV debate screened in front of millions of viewers UK-wide.

Research by ICM for the Guardian newspaper showed 71% of people questioned thought Mr Salmond had been the better performer in the programme, compared with 29% for Mr Darling.

It marked a reverse from the last live TV debate on STV two weeks ago when polls suggested that Mr Darling won.

But the former Chancellor insisted that the “real debate” was taking place in peoples’ homes and TV showdown’s are only on part of the process.

“I’ve taken the view that the TV debates are a fact of life nowadays, but they’re only part of the process,” he told Sky News today.

“You’ve got to bear n mind that this referendum campaign has been running two-and-a-half years in Scotland and a lot of people are longing for the day they can get it behind them.

“People have been having discussions among their friends and family - that’s where the real debate is actually taking place.

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“Of course what they see on television, what they read in newspapers, hear on the radio is an important part of it. It’s only one part of it. I said that when I was asked the same question three weeks ago, I’m saying the same today.”

Postal votes start arriving through letterboxes today ahead of the historic vote on September 18.

Mr Darling added: “I’m confident the momentum is with us, I’m confident we’re gaining support and the clear majority of people in Scotland don’t want this, they’re saying No Thanks to the the risks and costs that come from separation.

“They want the best of both worlds, a strong Scottish Parliament, but the strength and security that comes from being part of something bigger.”

Polling still suggests that the No camp is ahead with 57% of Scots poised to back staying in the union, while 43% support independence.

But Yes Scotland chief executive Blair Jenkins welcomed the results of the ICM poll and expects undecided voters will move towards the pro-independence campaign.

“We heard wall-to-wall sunshine in the weather forecast and I think it’s wall-to-wall sunshine for the Yes campaign as well,” he told BBC radio Scotland.

“People will be enormously strengthened and I think will take a lot from last night.

“More important than anything else, I think voters who are still making up their minds will have no doubt where the best arguments are.”

He added: “This is not a presidential election, this is not about voting for a politician or a party. It’s much, much bigger and much more important than that, so I think you won’t necessarily get people moving instantly from last night but they will now reflect on what they saw and heard.”

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Scottish independence: Momentum with No - Darling