Scottish #Indyref and the ‘Renton test’
The Renton test is simple: can your argument sway someone like the junkie Mark Renton in Trainspotting? His tirade to the deserted hillside is now etched into Scottish folk memory.
Alex Salmond accuses newspapers of trying to drag the Queen into the Scottish independence debate, and, as a betting man, gives his odds on his campaign winning.
The latest clutch of polls show no clear prediction of which way Scotland will vote in Thursday’s independence referendum.
The Renton test is simple: can your argument sway someone like the junkie Mark Renton in Trainspotting? His tirade to the deserted hillside is now etched into Scottish folk memory.
In Edinburgh for Alex Salmond’s press conference for international media. Judging by the applause and yes badges it’s not just media in the audience.
The latest YouGov poll on Scotland’s independence referendum puts the ‘Better Together’ campaign back in the lead – the first time the no campaign has gained ground since the start of August.
If the yes camp wins next Thursday it will be, in large part, because in addition to the SNP, this “non-party” broad coalition has inspired people.
Humza Yousef, the SNP Minister for external affairs and Jenny Marra, the Labour Shadow Youth Employment spokesperson in the Scottish Parliament, debate independence with 16 and 17-year-olds.
There are only days to go before the referendum, and the pace shows no signs of slowing. Even when it involves climbing to the top of Arthur’s Seat.
I find some long-standing devolution supporters who, after month and month of staring at the binary choice on offer, have grown used to the risks, or “bumps” as Alex Salmond calls them, of independence.
You find quite a few late-surge yes supporters saying they wish that devo max had been on the ballot paper.
A YouGov poll puts the yes and no camps almost neck and neck, as Chancellor George Osborne promises new powers if Scotland stays in the union.
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett stops short of advocating independence, but has said she would welcome the “constitutional chaos” it could bring – why?
The Highlands are often thought of as emblematic of Scottish national identity. But will they say yes or no in the referendum? Inigo Gilmore takes the high road from Thurso to Inverness to find out.
Support for Scottish independence rises two weeks ahead of an historic referendum on leaving the UK, according to a new poll.
The SNP says it wants to rid Scotland of Trident nuclear missiles. Will it be able to keep the promise if Scots vote for independence?