Scottish independence referendum: Alex Salmond unveils referendum plans

Mr Salmond launched the Scottish Government’s consultation on a £10 million referendum at Holyrood.

He told MSPs the question that would be put to voters would be “short, straightforward and clear”.

The Scottish Government proposes asking Scots: “Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?”.

Mr Salmond said the period in the run-up to the independence vote would be the “most exciting in Scotland’s modern history”.

He stated: “At the end of that period, in autumn 2014, people the length and breadth of our country will have their say in Scotland’s independence referendum.

“Independence, in essence, is based on a simple idea: the people who care most about Scotland, that is the people who live, work and bring up their families in Scotland, should be the ones taking the decisions about our nation’s future.

“No-one else is going to do a better job of making Scotland a success. No-one else has the same stake in our future. The people of Scotland should be in charge.”

As well as the question on independence, Mr Salmond said the ballot could include the option of greatly-enhanced powers for Holyrood.

He argued if there was “wide support” for the so-called devo max option, it was “only fair and democratic” it be included.

“The Scottish Government’s position is for independence,” Mr Salmond said.

“Therefore, that option will appear on the ballot paper in a straightforward manner.”

However, he added: “If there is an alternative of maximum devolution which would command wide support in Scotland, then it is only fair and democratic that option should be among the choices open to the people of Scotland.

“We will not, as the UK Government seems to want, eliminate that choice simply because it might be popular.”

While UK elections are traditionally held on a Thursday, the consultation raises the possibility of having the referendum on a Saturday to help boost turnout.

The Scottish Government also proposes extending the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) leader said: “It is right that our young people should have the chance to play their part in decisions about their community and their country.

“If a 16-year-old in Scotland can register to join the Army, get married and pay taxes, surely he or she should be able to have a say in this country’s constitutional future?”

The consultation proposes using elections watchdog the Electoral Commission to regulate the referendum.

But Labour claimed its role was being diluted by the SNP, with shadow Scottish secretary Margaret Curran stating: “At present, the Electoral Commission has to rule on the wording of the question on the ballot paper because it is a point of principle that it shouldn’t be for politicians alone to pick.

“Alex Salmond’s proposal to strip the Electoral Commission of its legal responsibility to rule on the question will fuel suspicion and is simply not acceptable.”

She added: “It is completely wrong to agree to a neutral referee but then stop it doing its most important job.

“Watering down the role of the watchdog is simply not democratic.”