Scottish independence round-up: STV debate | Devine

CATCH up on the day in the Scottish independence debate, with this round-up of stories featured on our dedicated referendum microsite.

For the latest on the Scottish independence debate, visit our dedicated referendum website. Picture: TSPL

STV have announced they are to stage a second Scottish independence referendum debate in Edinburgh on 2 September.

The debate will take a ‘town hall’ format, with panels from each side contributing their views.

In other news, using the pound without the support of a central bank in an independent Scotland is a better option than remaining in the UK, according to a new report by the Adam Smith Institute.

On social media, the #YesBecause hashtag used by supporters of Scottish independence to outline their reasons for voting ‘Yes’ was the most talked-about topic on Twitter in the UK today - we’ve rounded up some of the best tweets here.

TODAY’S BEST COMMENT, ANALYSIS & FEATURES

Every day we highlight some of the most interesting and talked-about articles on the Scottish independence referendum - here are some of today’s best pieces, as featured on our Indyref microsite.

• Severin Carrell: Islanders winning independence debate

The Guardian’s Severin Carrell visits Orkney and Shetland to assess the state of the debate in the ‘symbolic’ island communities.

Concerns over fisheries and other local industries, desire for political change and changes in the recent fates of the islands dominate the debate.

• How the Scottish independence currency debate relates to larger tax battles

The New York Times’ Upshot blog looks at the discussions on currency in the Scottish independence referendum, and the ways in which the debate over autonomy or being part of a larger state mirrors discussions in other regions and countries around the world.

• Tom Devine: Why I now say yes to independence for Scotland

The full text of Sir Tom Devine’s reasons for backing the ‘Yes’ campaign for Scottish independence has been released.

Sir Tom revealed his backing for the independence movement in an interview with The Observer newspaper this weekend.

• Gerry Hassan: Tom Devine, the #indyref and the myths of modern Scotland

Gerry Hassan discusses the remarks of Sir Tom Devine, who revealed his support for independence earlier this week, in this piece for Scottish Review.

Hassan suggests that Devine’s comments – which note the successes and reforms of the mid-20th century – highlight a desire by some in the pro-independence camp for a simpler time, rather than a call for radical change within Scottish society and politics.

• Adam Mack: The Science of Engagement, and why Scotland will probably vote no

Adam Mack of PR firm Weber Shandwick looks at the psychology behind engagement with political campaigns, coming to the conclusion that a ‘No’ vote is highly likely in next month’s referendum.

• How much oil does Scotland have left?

The BBC’s James Cook looks at the issue of North Sea oil – how much is left underneath Scottish waters, how much money it could be worth, and the arguments over oil from both the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ camps in the debate.

• SSP’s Colin Fox believes Scots want change beyond SNP’s vision

Mark Hennessey of the Irish Times interviews SSP national convenor Colin Fox on the radical socialist vision for an independent Scotland, and the campaign to encourage working-class voters to turn out on 18 September.

• Kirstein Rummery: Would the NHS, welfare state be ‘safe’ in an independent Scotland?

Kirstein Rummery, Professor of Social Policy at the University of Stirling, looks at the possible future prospects for the NHS and larger welfare state in the event of Scottish independence.

• Jonn Elledge: A shameless, self-interested plea to Scottish voters

Writing in the New Statesman, Jonn Elledge calls for Scots to vote ‘No’ to independence, claiming a ‘Yes’ vote will “totally and utterly screw” non-Conservatives in the rest of the UK.

Elledge argues that Scotland should stay within the union to help create change in the whole of the UK.

• Get the latest referendum news, opinion and analysis from across Scotland and beyond on our new Scottish Independence website