Yes vote for Scottish independence still possible, says minister

Supporters of Scottish independence face "a challenge" to persuade a majority to back next year's referendum, Scotland's deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon has conceded.

However, Ms Sturgeon, speaking on the opening day of the Scottish National Party’s annual conference in Perth, insisted the debate can still be won, though a succession of polls are more negative.

One poll earlier this month put support for a Yes vote in the September 2014 poll at just 25 per cent; with 44 per cent against. However, importantly, the rest of those polled were still undecided.

Self-government is popular in Scotland. Indeed, a majority want more of it; though, so far, the British government has studiously avoided making any offer of more self-government to sway undecideds to vote No. Reflecting the confidence felt by the pro-union campaign, Labour MP Ian Davidson has been quoted in the Scottish press as saying the issue is over bar “the bayoneting of the wounded on the battlefield”. Opening the Perth conference, Scotland’s first minister and SNP leader, Alex Salmond described the referendum date as “Scotland’s date with destiny”.

“[It is] the biggest opportunity the people of this country have ever had – the opportunity to choose independence and a better future for Scotland,” he told delegates. For now, the SNP is placing a spotlight on British prime minister David Cameron’s refusal to debate independence with Mr Salmond.

Deep unpopularity
Conscious of the Conservatives' deep unpopularity in Scotland, Mr Cameron is determined to remain aloof, though that strategy could be questioned as the referendum edges closer.

During Mr Cameron’s rare forays into Scotland, Mr Salmond has always pointedly received him almost as a visiting foreign head of government.

Equally, he has tried to keep a distance from other Scottish leaders, though Ms Sturgeon said he would debate with former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling.