Scotland's future
19 June 2013 Last updated at 04:24 ET

Road to referendum Key steps so far in the SNP's plan to hold a vote on Scottish independence Edinburgh at night

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February 2013

The Section 30 Order giving Holyrood powers to hold a referendum by the end of 2014 was agreed by the Privy Council, a body made up of senior UK political figures.

Spring 2013

The Scottish government introduces a Referendum Bill to the Scottish Parliament setting out the date of the ballot - 18 September, 2014.

October 2013

MSPs take part in the final debate on the bill before voting to approve it.

November 2013

Royal Assent is given to the Referendum Bill, making it an act of the Scottish Parliament.

This paves the way for the SNP government to publish its "prospectus for independence" White Paper. The unionist parties will also publish their ideas for keeping the UK together.

Summer 2014

The pro-independence and anti-independence campaigns intensify.

Autumn 2014

The Scottish independence referendum takes place.

Full referendum timeline

Q&As

The big questions What are the key issues facing both sides? Robert the Bruce statue and saltire

Your questions 'Will I need a passport to visit?' and more UK passport

Background Guides

Scottish parliamentThe powers that be

What can and can't Scotland do already and what authority does Number 10 have?

Who are the pro-Union backers? Ordinary members of the public join politicians in pro-UK campaign Better Together campaigners

The 'Yes Scotland' backers Who are the politicians, actors and musicians who want to go it alone? Yes campaigner backers

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    James Naughtie on the politics of a Scottish referendum

  • headline in The AustralianGlobal view

    What the world makes of Scotland's planned referendum

Brian Taylor, Political editor, Scotland Article written by Brian Taylor Brian Taylor Political editor, Scotland

Not very rock 'n' roll

8 hours ago

It's all going great. A night of sultry warmth. An enthusiastic crowd. The Boss on top form, sometimes challenging, sometimes assertive, sometimes soothing.

Read full article

Referendum date

  • 18 September 2014

    "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

Features & Analysis

Reaction and Analysis

  • Referendum reaction

    Who said what about the report on the independence question

  • Euro quandary

    Seeking clarity on Scotland's place in the EU

  • Public's say

    Responses to SNP government's referendum consultation

  • It's a deal

    The BBC's Nick Robinson on that Cameron/Salmond hand shake

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