Scottish independence campaign launched

An independence referendum could take place in 2014 Credit: Rueters

A campaign encouraging people to vote for Scottish independence starts today.

The cross-party body Yes Scotland will kick-start its initiative to leave the United Kingdom.

Organisers have vowed to stage the "biggest community-based campaign in Scotland's history" in the run-up to the independence referendum, which could take place in October 2014.

Alex Salmond, the First Minister and Scottish National Party leader, will be one of the key figures at today's launch.

Former Labour MP Dennis Canavan, who later became an independent MSP, has been named as another of the supporters at today's event.

But the Scottish independence movement has met resistance. A poll commissioned by former Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling found 33% of people agree that Scotland should become independent, with 57% opposed and 10% undecided.

former Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling Credit: Reuters