Scottish independence: Referendum date to be set

THE date of next year’s independence referendum is set to be confirmed by the Scottish Government this week, the Deputy First Minister said.

The SNP administration will seek to make a statement in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, which will include First Minister Alex Salmond telling MSPs the planned date. Nicola Sturgeon said: “The First Minister intends to inform parliament of the date of Scotland’s referendum.

“In autumn 2014 we will have the opportunity to ensure decisions about Scotland are taken by the people who care most about Scotland – [those] who live here. The choice becomes clearer every day: the opportunity to use our vast resources and talent to build a better country or to continue with a Westminster system that isn’t working.”