Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
The future of the United Kingdom hangs in the balance, as a series of polls released over the weekend indicate the result of the Scottish referendum remains too close to call.
With under a week to go until the vote, three surveys showed the No campaign clinging to a slender lead. However an ICM poll for The Sunday Telegraph has the Yes campaign 8% ahead.
Reacting to news of the ICM poll, Blair Jenkins, the chief executive of Yes Scotland, said it showed "everything to play for" before September 18. "We are working flat out to ensure that we achieve a Yes vote, because it's the biggest opportunity the people of Scotland will ever have to build a fairer society and more prosperous economy," he said.
The poll is the second ever to put the Yes campaign in the lead. The first, by YouGov in last week's Sunday Times, spread panic through Westminster and convinced David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg to abandon London to begin a flurry of campaigning in Scotland.
However polling guru professor John Curtice, issued a note of caution for the nationalists. He said given the unusually small sample size, the result should come with a "substantial health warning".
The polls:
- Survation survey for the Better Together campaign: No 54%, Yes 46%
- Opinium survey for The Observer: No 53%, Yes 47%
- Panelbase survey for The Sunday Times: No 51%, Yes 49%
- ICM survey for The Sunday Telegraph: No 46%, Yes 54%
In a sign of the campaign battle to come in the week ahead, the precise numbers of the Panelbase poll put the No campaign on 50.6% and the Yes campaign on 49.4% - a dead heat.
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Scotland
Alex Salmond Campaigns In Edinburgh For An Independent Scotland(01 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: First Minister Alex Salmond, meets with Yes supporters during campaigning in Piershill Square on September 10, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The three main UK Westminster Parliament party leaders are all campaigning in Scotland today showing their support for a 'No' vote in the independence referendum.. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
John Prescott and Alistair Darling Join The Scottish Labour Battle Bus(02 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: 'Yes' and 'No' voters protest as John Prescott and Alistair Darling join the Scottish Labour Battle Bus on Rutherglen main street on September 10, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. The three UK party leaders are all campaigning in Scotland today showing their support for a 'No' vote in the independence referendum. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
John Prescott and Alistair Darling Join The Scottish Labour Battle Bus(03 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party Anas Sarwar MP addresses supporters as he campaigns for a ''No'' vote in the referendum on Rutherglen main street on September 10, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. The three UK party leaders are all campaigning in Scotland today showing their support for a 'No' vote in the independence referendum. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
John Prescott and Alistair Darling Join The Scottish Labour Battle Bus(04 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: 'Yes' and 'No' voters protest as John Prescott and Alistair Darling join the Scottish Labour Battle Bus on Rutherglen main street on September 10, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. The three UK party leaders are all campaigning in Scotland today showing their support for a 'No' vote in the independence referendum. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
John Prescott and Alistair Darling Join The Scottish Labour Battle Bus(05 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: 'Yes' and 'No' voters protest as John Prescott and Alistair Darling join the Scottish Labour Battle Bus on Rutherglen main street on September 10, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. The three UK party leaders are all campaigning in Scotland today showing their support for a 'No' vote in the independence referendum. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
John Prescott and Alistair Darling Join The Scottish Labour Battle Bus(06 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: John Prescott MP is mobbed by 'Yes' and 'No' campaigners while campaigning for a ''No'' vote in the referendum on Rutherglen main street on September 10, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. The three UK party leaders are all campaigning in Scotland today showing their support for a 'No' vote in the independence referendum. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(07 of82)
Alex Salmond talks to the press during a visit to Edinburgh campaigning as "Team Scotland against Team Westminster". (credit:David Cheskin/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(08 of82)
Jim Sillars, Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon talk to the press during a visit to Edinburgh campaigning as "Team Scotland against Team Westminster". (credit:David Cheskin/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(09 of82)
Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond and Jim Sillars talk to the press during a visit to Edinburgh campaigning as "Team Scotland against Team Westminster". (credit:David Cheskin/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(10 of82)
Campaigners wait for Alex Salmond during a visit to Edinburgh campaigning as "Team Scotland against Team Westminster". (credit:David Cheskin/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(11 of82)
Prime Minister David Cameron speaks during a visit to Scottish Widows offices in Edinburgh, where he made an impassioned plea to keep Scotland part of the union, saying he would be "heartbroken" if the UK was torn apart. (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(12 of82)
Prime Minister David Cameron speaks during a visit to Scottish Widows offices in Edinburgh, where he made an impassioned plea to keep Scotland part of the union, saying he would be "heartbroken" if the UK was torn apart. (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(13 of82)
Prime Minister David Cameron speaks during a visit to Scottish Widows offices in Edinburgh, where he made an impassioned plea to keep Scotland part of the union, saying he would be "heartbroken" if the UK was torn apart. (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(14 of82)
Prime Minister David Cameron speaks during a visit to Scottish Widows offices in Edinburgh, where he made an impassioned plea to keep Scotland part of the union, saying he would be "heartbroken" if the UK was torn apart. (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Scotland's Yes Campaign Continues On The Scottish Borders(15 of82)
BERWICK-UPON-TWEED, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Members of English Scots for Yes hold a border tea party, to celebrate the continuing open border between Scotland and England after a possible Yes vote in the Scottish Independence referendum on September 7, 2014 in Berwick Upon Tweed. An opinion poll published today, shows the yes camp had 51% to 49% for no, excluding dont know voters. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Scotland's Yes Campaign Continues On The Scottish Borders(16 of82)
BERWICK-UPON-TWEED, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Members of English Scots for Yes hold a border tea party, to celebrate the continuing open border between Scotland and England after a possible Yes vote in the Scottish Independence referendum on September 7, 2014 in Berwick Upon Tweed. An opinion poll published today, shows the yes camp had 51% to 49% for no, excluding dont know voters. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-SCOTLAND-INDEPENDENCE-VOTE(17 of82)
British MP and former Finance Minister Alistair Darling (C) is pictured as he campaigns for the pro-union 'Better Together' campaign in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 8, 2014, ahead of the referendum on Scotland's independence. Supporters of the United Kingdom began a fightback on Monday to stop Scotland voting for independence in next week's referendum after an opinion poll put the separatists ahead for the first time. AFP PHOTO / ANDY BUCHANAN (Photo credit should read Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ANDY BUCHANAN via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-SCOTLAND-INDEPENDENCE-VOTE(18 of82)
British MP and former Finance Minister Alistair Darling (C) is pictured as he campaigns for the pro-union 'Better Together' campaign in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 8, 2014, ahead of the referendum on Scotland's independence. Supporters of the United Kingdom began a fightback on Monday to stop Scotland voting for independence in next week's referendum after an opinion poll put the separatists ahead for the first time. AFP PHOTO / ANDY BUCHANAN (Photo credit should read Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ANDY BUCHANAN via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-SCOTLAND-INDEPENDENCE-VOTE(19 of82)
Campaign badges are pictured as pro-union supporters campaign in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 8, 2014, ahead of the referendum on Scotland's independence. Supporters of the United Kingdom began a fightback on Monday to stop Scotland voting for independence in next week's referendum after an opinion poll put the separatists ahead for the first time. AFP PHOTO / ANDY BUCHANAN (Photo credit should read Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ANDY BUCHANAN via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-SCOTLAND-INDEPENDENCE-VOTE(20 of82)
Campaign literature is pictured during a rally by the pro-union 'Better Together' campaign in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 8, 2014, ahead of the referendum on Scotland's independence. Supporters of the United Kingdom began a fightback on Monday to stop Scotland voting for independence in next week's referendum after an opinion poll put the separatists ahead for the first time. AFP PHOTO / ANDY BUCHANAN (Photo credit should read Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ANDY BUCHANAN via Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon Continues Health Campaign(21 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 08: Danny Barbieri, 4-years old, dressed in a Superman superhero outfit, holds aloft a Pro-Scottish independence 'Yes Scotland' campaign sign, as he and other supporters await the start of a press event on September 8, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. Scotland will vote on whether or not to leave the United Kingdom in a referendum to be held on September 18th this year. (Photo by Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert/Getty Images) (credit:Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert via Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon Continues Health Campaign(22 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 08: Scottish actor Alan Cumming (centre) joins the Scottish Deputy First Minister of the Scottish Government Nicola Sturgeon (rear, in red) and Leanne Wood of Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru, to lend his support to the Yes Scotland pro-Scottish independence campaign in the run-up to the forthcoming referendum, on September 8, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. Scotland will vote on whether or not to leave the United Kingdom in a referendum to be held on September 18th this year. (Photo by Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert/Getty Images) (credit:Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert via Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon Continues Health Campaign(23 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 08: Scottish actor Alan Cumming (foreground, left) joins the Scottish Deputy First Minister and Yes Scotland advisory board member, Nicola Sturgeon (foreground, centre) and Yes campaigners to help outline why they think a Yes vote is Scotland's one opportunity to give the Scottish Parliament the economic powers needed to deliver transformation change in the forthcoming referendum, on September 8, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. Scotland will vote on whether or not to Leave the United Kingdom in a referendum to be held on September 18th this year. (Photo by Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert/Getty Images) (credit:Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-SCOTLAND-INDEPENDENCE-VOTE(24 of82)
Scottish MP Jim Murphy addresses crowds outside The Grassmarket in Edinburgh for the pro-union 'Better Together' campaign on September 8, 2014, ahead of the upcoming Scottish independence referendum. Supporters of the United Kingdom began a fightback to stop Scotland voting for independence in next week's referendum after an opinion poll put the separatists ahead for the first time. AFP PHOTO/ANDY BUCHANAN (Photo credit should read Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ANDY BUCHANAN via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-SCOTLAND-INDEPENDENCE-VOTE(25 of82)
Supporters of the pro-union 'Better Together' campaign hold 'No' signs as they listen to Scottish MP Jim Murphy address crowds in Edinburgh on September 8, 2014, ahead of the upcoming Scottish independence referendum. Supporters of the United Kingdom began a fightback to stop Scotland voting for independence in next week's referendum after an opinion poll put the separatists ahead for the first time. AFP PHOTO/ANDY BUCHANAN (Photo credit should read Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ANDY BUCHANAN via Getty Images)
SNP Leader Alex Salmond Continues The Yes Campaign Trail(26 of82)
KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Alex Salmond First Minister of Scotland visits Brownings bakers on September 3, 2014 in Kilmarnock,Scotland. With just 15 days of campaigning to go in the referendum campaign recent polls show the No campaign is now just six points ahead of the Yes campaign, down from 14 points in mid-August and 22 points early last month, excluding the undecided voters. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(27 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: First Minister Alex Salmond, meets with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland's continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland's communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(28 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: (EDITORS NOTE: This image is a re-crop of image #455028102) First Minister Alex Salmond, meets with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland's continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland's communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(29 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Six month old Caitlin Tierney holds a yes sign during an event with the First Minister Alex Salmond, where he met with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland's continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland's communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(30 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Bride to be Ruth Cheadle holds Yes placard as First Minister Alex Salmond, met with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland's continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland's communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(31 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Yes supporters await the arrival of First Minister Alex Salmond, during an event wher he met with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland's continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland's communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(32 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Yes supporters await the arrival of First Minister Alex Salmond, during an event where he met with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland's continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland's communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(33 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, announce their backing for more powers for Scotland on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh,Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(34 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (MSP), on the Yes Campaign trail talks with undecided voter Leo McWard on his doorstep in Easterhouse on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(35 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (MSP), and anti-poverty campaigner and lifelong Labour Party member Bob Holman on the Yes Campaign trail pose with 'Yes' campaigners in Easterhouse on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(36 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Two women wave from a window of a property on the Royal Mile on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh,Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(37 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Two women wave from a window of a property on the Royal Mile on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh,Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Gordon Brown Speech At Scottish Labour Headquarters(38 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivers a speech to a packed room at Scottish Labour campaign headquarters on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Gordon Brown Speech At Scottish Labour Headquarters(39 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivers a speech to a packed room at Scottish Labour campaign headquarters on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Britain Northern Ireland Scotland Referendum(40 of82)
Republican writing supporting the Yes vote in the Scottish Referendum on a mountain in West Belfast, Northern Ireland, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. Scotland is due to vote on September 18th in a referendum on Scottish independence and many people in Northern Ireland will be watching closely its outcome. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Scotland Referendum(41 of82)
A homeowner displays Yes signs in Eccles, Scotland, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. The British government plans to offer Scotland more financial autonomy in the coming days as polls predict a very close vote in the September 18 referendum on Scottish independence. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Northern Ireland Scotland Referendum(42 of82)
Republican writing supporting the Yes vote in the Scottish Referendum on a mountain in West Belfast, Northern Ireland, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. Scotland is due to vote on September 18th in a referendum on Scottish independence and many people in Northern Ireland will be watching closely on its outcome. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Scotland Referendum(43 of82)
A Yes sign is displayed in a field with Llamas grazing in Jedburgh, Scotland, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. The British government plans to offer Scotland more financial autonomy in the coming days as polls predict a very close vote in the September 18 referendum on Scottish independence. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Scotland Referendum(44 of82)
A homeowner displays No signs at Burnmouth, Scotland, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. Polls predict a very close vote in the upcoming landmark referendum on Scottish independence from Britain on September 18. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Scotland Referendum(45 of82)
A No sign is displayed in Eyemouth, Scotland, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. Polls predict a very close vote in the upcoming landmark referendum on Scottish independence from Britian on September 18. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Scotland Referendum(46 of82)
A shopowner displays a Yes sign above his shop in Eyemouth, Scotland, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. Polls predict a very close vote in the upcoming landmark referendum on Scottish independence from Britain on September 18. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Scotland Referendum(47 of82)
Yes Signs are displayed in Eyemouth, Scotland, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. Polls predict a very close vote in the upcoming landmark referendum on Scottish independence from Britian on September 18. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Scottish Referendum(48 of82)
A sign welcoming motorists to Scotland at Berwick Upon Tweed, England, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. The British government plans to offer Scotland more financial autonomy in the coming days as polls predict a very close vote in the September 18 on Scottish independence. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Scotland Referendum(49 of82)
Signage for the first and last pub in Scotland at Burnmouth, Scotland, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. Polls predict a very close vote in the upcoming landmark referendum on Scottish independence from Britian on September 18. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Scottish Referendum(50 of82)
A "Yes" sign in support of Scottish independence is displayed on the side of a building overlooking the harbour in Eyemouth, Scotland, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. The British government plans to offer Scotland more financial autonomy in the coming days as polls predict a very close vote in the September 18 on Scottish independence. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Britain Scottish Referendum(51 of82)
Custiners wait for their food at a stall located near the England and Scotland border at Berwick Upon Tweed, England, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. The British government plans to offer Scotland more financial autonomy in the coming days as polls predict a very close vote in the September 18 on Scottish independence. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Independence Posters Seen Throughout Scotland(52 of82)
SELKIRK, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: A vote Yes campaign sign is placed in a shop window ahead of the Scottish referendum on September 10, 2014 in Selkirk, Scotland. The Scottish referendum takes place next week and will determine if Scotland is to remain part of the United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Independence Posters Seen Throughout Scotland(53 of82)
SELKIRK, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: A shop window is adorned with Yes campaign signs on September 10, 2014 in Selkirk, Scotland. The Scottish referendum takes place next week and will determine if Scotland is to remain part of the United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(54 of82)
Members of English Scots for Yes hold a 'Border tea party' at the border at the border between Scotland and England just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed as a YouGov poll puts the pro-independence campaign in the Scottish independence referendum ahead for the first time. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Independence Posters Seen Throughout Scotland(55 of82)
SELKIRK, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: A Yes campaign placard is erected outside a house on the Scottish borders on September 10, 2014 in Selkirk, Scotland. The Scottish referendum takes place next week and will determine if Scotland is to remain part of the United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(56 of82)
Members of English Scots for Yes hold a 'Border tea party' at the border at the border between Scotland and England just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed as a YouGov poll puts the pro-independence campaign in the Scottish independence referendum ahead for the first time. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(57 of82)
The flags of St George, the flag of Scotland and the Great Britain flag fly high in North Northumberland not far from the Scottish Borders, as the debate over Scottish independence will enter a new phase tonight with the first live television clash between the First Minister and the man leading the campaign to keep the UK together. (credit:Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Independence Posters Seen Throughout Scotland(58 of82)
SELKIRK, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: A No campaign placard is placed on a gate on the edge of a farmers field in the Scottish borders on September 10, 2014 in Selkirk, Scotland. The Scottish referendum takes place next week and will determine if Scotland is to remain part of the United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(59 of82)
Ronnie Anderson from Edinburgh waves a Saltire flag beside the '18 September 2014' sign outside the Scottish Parliament, as there are 100 days to go until the referendum. (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(60 of82)
A general view at the border between Scotland and England just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed as a YouGov poll puts the pro-independence campaign in the Scottish independence referendum ahead for the first time. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(61 of82)
Better Together leader Alistair Darling launches the organisation's 100 Days to Go campaign during an event at Community Central Hall in Glasgow. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Britain Scottish Referendum(62 of82)
A "Yes" sign in support of Scottish independence is displayed on the side of a building overlooking the harbour in Eyemouth, Scotland, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. The British government plans to offer Scotland more financial autonomy in the coming days as polls predict a very close vote in the September 18 on Scottish independence. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The Saltire Flies Above Downing Street(63 of82)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: The Saltire flies above 10 Downing Street on September 9, 2014 in London, England. The three main party leaders are tomorrow heading to Scotland to join the referendum campaign trying save the Union of the United Kingdom. The Scottish referendum takes place on the 18th September. (Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images) (credit:Matthew Lloyd via Getty Images)
Gordon Brown Speech At Scottish Labour Headquarters(64 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivers a speech to a packed room at Scottish Labour campaign headquarters on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Gordon Brown Speech At Scottish Labour Headquarters(65 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivers a speech to a packed room at Scottish Labour campaign headquarters on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(66 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Yes flags and placards are placed in a window on the Royal Mile on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh,Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(67 of82)
Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and actor Alan Cumming outside the Yes Kelvin campaign hub in Glasgow ahead of the Scottish independence referendum vote on September 18. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(68 of82)
Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and actor Alan Cumming outside the Yes Kelvin campaign hub in Glasgow ahead of the Scottish independence referendum vote on September 18. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(69 of82)
Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and leader of Plaid Cymru Leanne Wood, campaign to say that a Yes vote is the only way to secure the status and funding of ScotlandÕs NHS, during a photocall in Glasgow, as the campaign ahead of the Scottish independence referendum continues. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(70 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Better Together campaigners join the Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, as they announce their backing for more powers for Scotland on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh,Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(71 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Better Together campaigners join the Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, as they announce their backing for more powers for Scotland on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh,Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(72 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Yes supporters await the arrival of First Minister Alex Salmond, during an event wher he met with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland's continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland's communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(73 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Yes supporters await the arrival of First Minister Alex Salmond, during an event wher he met with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland's continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland's communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(74 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: First Minister Alex Salmond, meets with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland's continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland's communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(75 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: First Minister Alex Salmond, meets with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland's continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland's communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(76 of82)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: (EDITORS NOTE: This image is a re-crop of image #455028102) First Minister Alex Salmond, meets with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland's continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland's communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(77 of82)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (MSP), and anti-poverty campaigner and lifelong Labour Party member Bob Holman on the Yes Campaign trail pose with 'Yes' campaigners in Easterhouse on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(78 of82)
Labour leader Ed Miliband campaigns in the Scottish independence referendum near the Blantyre miners community resource centre in Scotland. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(79 of82)
SNP leader Alex Salmond during a visit to Brownings Bakers bakery in Kilmarnock, Scotland where he was presented with Aye branded cakes, as the Scottish independence referendum campaign continues. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(80 of82)
A Better Together supporters is pictured in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland, as the Scottish independence referendum campaign continues. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(81 of82)
A person holds a Yes Scotland flag as MP Jim Murphy, who was hit by an egg while campaigning last week, resumes his 100 Streets in 100 Days Better Together tour outside the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh, as the Scottish independence referendum campaign continues. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(82 of82)
A YES campaign banner on a house in the border town of Galashiels, Scotland as campaigning for the Scottish independence referendum enters the final few weeks. (credit:David Cheskin/PA Wire)
Alex Salmond today stood by fellow nationalist Jim Sillars after the former SNP deputy leader warned there would be "a day of reckoning with BP and the banks" after independence. He described Sillars, who has been a vocal critic of his leadership, as "a great campaigner" who has been "fighting a fine campaign".
However, Salmond dismissed Sillar's rhetoric, insisting September 19 will be "a day of celebration for the people, not reckoning for big companies drawn into the No campaign by Downing Street". Salmond's words did not go far enough for Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael, who insisted the SNP leader must "disown Jim Sillars completely".
In other campaign developments on Saturday, Rupert Murdoch arrived in Scotland and spent the day touring the country including Glasdow, Fife and Aberdeen. The media mogul's visit triggered speculation he might be preparing to throw the support of the Scottish Sun newspaper behind Salmond and the Yes campaign.
Murdoch later tweeted: "Tried 24 hours incognito Scottish visit (failed!). No politicians, just street and pub talks. Glasgow, Aberdeen, Rosehearty. Great people."
Salmond said he had not met with Murdoch. Asked whether he had any plans to do so, he added: "No, Mr Murdoch is quite entitled to be in Scotland, I've been campaigning today and I'm sure he's having a great time here in Scotland with the weather like the rest of us."
Former Labour prime minister Tony Blair also waded into the referendum debate, advising against independence. "For all the reasons given by all the party leaders of the UK, in the 21st Century to rip up the alliance between our countries would not be sensible, politically, economically or even emotionally," he said, speaking at a security conference in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev.
But in perhaps a more important intervention, groundskeeper Willie, the redheaded caretaker at the school attended by Bart and Lisa in long-running animated sitcom The Simpsons, has come out in favour of independence.