By Gwynne Dyer - If the Scots vote “yes” to independence on Sept. 18, as one opinion poll now suggests they will, three things are likely to happen in the following week.
Britain promised to guarantee Scotland high levels of state funding, granting Scots greater control over healthcare spending in a last-ditch attempt to shore up support for the United Kingdom before Thursday's vote on independence.
Scotland’s possible secession from the United Kingdom as a result of the upcoming referendum could cause negative market reactions in the short-term, William Murray, Deputy Spokesman at International Monetary Fund (IMF), told reporters Thursday.
The leaders of the main UK parties have made a plea for a vote against Scottish independence, as they campaigned north of the border ahead of the referendum. Prime Minister David Cameron said he would be heartbroken in the event of a Yes vote, while Labor leader Ed Miliband said the case for the Union came from the head, heart and soul.
The British government on Sunday pledged greater fiscal autonomy for Scotland, after a poll put the pro-independence camp ahead for the first time ahead of the September 18 referendum on separation. Only Scottish residents can vote in the referendum.
The No vote's lead ahead of the Scottish Referendum has narrowed to just six points, according to a new poll. The YouGov poll suggests support for Scottish independence has risen eight points over the past month.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said over the weekend he was feeling emotional and nervous about the September 18 Scottish independence referendum.
Campaign leaders clashed over Scotland's future in a lively final TV showdown on Monday, with the pro-independence side counting on a knock-out blow to vault a stubborn gap in the polls.
Scottish First Minister warned that 12 countries could be barred from his country’s waters and would not even be allowed to pass through to reach Norwegian waters if an independent Scotland was refused European Union (EU) membership.
The Scottish government will be given power to issue its own investment bonds, UK ministers have announced. The move will give the Holyrood administration an extra source of financing when it gets new borrowing powers, in 2015. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander called the move historic.