Progress on Scottish Independence Referendum

A referendum to decide Scotland’s future – maximum devolution but stopping short of independence – will be held late in 2014.  This is described as the biggest shake-up in the United Kingdom since the Irish declared their independence in 1921 and Scotland’s biggest political decision in 300 years.  The vote cannot be deferred if it’s unlikely to succeed and 16 year olds will be participating.  Spending limits on the campaign are already contentious but not yet settled.  England is opposed, wanting the vote in 2013 and under 18s excluded but had to give ground.  The referendum is also described as “socially important” for Scotland.  More interesting stuff happening in Scotland than in Australia. [‘Scottish referendum countdown begins with Cameron visit to Scotland’ by Nicholas Watt and Severin Carroll, The Guardian, 15 October 2012]