From JK Rowling to Sir Alex Ferguson's views, 9 things you need to know about Scotland's independence referendum

There is much speculation and many media reports about the upcoming Scottish independence referendum. On September 18, the people living in Scotland will decide the fate of their country, but they may or may not be Scottish! Confused? Read this simple explainer for all the answers. 

What is the agenda of this vote? 
It is a referendum to decide if Scotland should be a separate country. The referendum question, as recommended by the Electoral Commission, will be "Should Scotland be an independent country?" – and voters can only answer yes or no.

Who all can vote? 
Virtually almost everyone above the age of 16 years currently living in Scotland can vote in this historic referendum. According to electoralcommission.org.uk, British or Irish citizens or European Union (EU) citizens living in Scotland and a qualifying Commonwealth citizen living in the country can have their say in the referendum. People can cast their vote in person, by post or even by proxy. i.e. by nominating someone to vote for him/her.

However, all Scottish people living elsewhere in the United Kingdom or in other countries are not eligible to vote in this referendum. That means, according to some estimates, 800,000 Scots who live in other parts of the UK don't get a vote, while the 400,000 people from elsewhere in Britain who live in Scotland cast their opinion. It may well turn out to be a gamechanger in the end.

So is Scotland not free country currently?
The Kingdom of Scotland was as an independent sovereign state in the Early Middle Ages and continued to exist until 1707 despite many invasion attempts by England (remember the film Braveheart?). Having entered into a union with the kingdoms of England and Ireland following James VI's succession to the English and Irish thrones in 1603, Scotland subsequently entered into a political union with England on May 1, 1707 to create a single Kingdom of Great Britain.

Scotland has a separate legal system but it doesn't have a separate army, public broadcaster, national anthem or currency amongst other things. Since 1999, Scotland has had a 'devolved government', which means the Scottish Parliament has the rights to take many decisions by itself. In 2011, the Scottish National Party (SNP) which had campaigned on the promise of a referendum won the elections comfortably, ultimately forcing the way for the referendum. 

Also Read: Scotland can expect one heckuva hangover after independence vote - yes or no

What's the argument for Scottish independence? 
According to people who want independence, they are looking to ensure a future where they can take their own decisions for greater prosperity. They are harping on the supposed failures of Westminster to change their life. The appeal is more based on national pride. 

The Scottish government believes the country would be better off after separation from the UK, basing their economy on taking control of revenue from North Sea oil and exploiting the large gas resources. It believes it can optimally use its resources to boost production and create more wealth.  Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond is the main face of the pro-independence campaign. Their tagline is "Scotland's future in Scotland's hand'.

What are the arguments against Scottish independence?
The reasons put forward are largely economic by nature. With a catchy slogan of “No Thanks”, the naysayers believe Scottish people can get the best of both worlds by remaining within the Union. They believe the Scottish economy will be too reliant on North Sea oil, the future of that resource itself being bleak. 

They believe that with further powers guaranteed, Scotland can live more safely and securely within the fold of the UK. There is apprehension that big companies may shut shop (the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has already confirmed this) leading to job losses. The naysayers also believe that with the power of the Pound gone, they would have to pay more for mortgages, credit cards and loans. UK Prime Minister David Cameron is putting all stops to ensure “no” gets the upper hand in the referendum.

Also Read: Scotland independence referendum: Why breaking up UK could tear apart the EU too

What happens if the majority votes “yes”?
Alex Salmond has already announced that they want Scotland's Independence Day to be on March 24, 2016. Before that there will be series of negotiations to iron out different teething issues. Both Salmond and Cameron will have to form a committee to carry out the negotiations. 

The main issues which will be up for negotiation will be currency union, Scotland's share of the UK's national debt and properly demarcating border between the two countries. The British military may have to move their Trident Nuclear Submarine from their current base in Glasgow. The UK's next general election slated in 2015 may be pushed back until the separation of Scotland. Scottish lawmakers also have to quickly get down to frame a constitution. A possible conflict can emerge about the right of independent Scotland to use the Pound as a currency; Cameron and others have already stridently opposed this suggestion. There is also likely to be possible conflict about Scotland's entry into the EU and NATO. 

What is the significance for the global community?
Many believe London's position as an international finance capital may be harmed if Scotland votes 'yes'. There is an apprehension that the UK's defence capabilities may be adversely harmed. Moreover, nationalist and separatist movements in other parts of the world may get a new fillip if Scotland manages to get independence. US President Barack Obama has already indicated that he supports Scotland to remain within the UK, saying, “We obviously have a deep interest in making sure that one of the closest allies we will ever have remains a strong, robust, united and effective partner." 

Who are the celebrities rooting for?
The “No” group has a clear advantage in this regard. From Harry Potter creator JK Rowling to former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and legendary Beatles Star Paul McCartney all are rooting for the “Better Together” campaign. Rowling has repeatedly donated huge amounts of money to ensure "no" votes win the referendum. But the "Yes" campaign is not entirely devoid of star power. It boasts of backers like James Bond star Sean Connery and actors Brian Cox and Gerard Butler. 

So, who will win? 
It is too close a call. For a very long time, the No campaign had a formidable lead, but the gap has narrowed down significantly. In a poll by YouGov on September 7, the "yes" votes had a marginal lead. Many believe that a large number of undecided voters will finally vote “no”, but that is honestly open to speculation. A poll on Saturday, September 13 again showed the "no" campaign gaining the upper hand.

With inputs from agencies.