15 Sep 2014

Queen urges Scots to think carefully

10:25 am on 15 September 2014

The Queen has made her first public comments on the Scottish referendum on independence from Britian.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth Photo: AFP

She said she hoped people would think carefully about the future when they cast their ballots on Thursday, the BBC reported

Observers say the remark may be seized upon as supportive by those opposed to Scottish independence but Royal officials say it does not breach the Queen constitutional impartiality.

Meanwhile, Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, said the independence referendum was "a once in a generation opportunity" and he was aiming for "a substantial majority".

However, Better Together leader Alistair Darling said "there is no way back" from independence and his campaign would target undecided voters.

The latest opinion polls have suggested the vote is too close to call.

Meanwhile, about 2000 people have protested against the BBC's coverage of the referendum in Glasgow.

The demonstrators claim that coverage by the broadcaster has been biased against the Yes campaign.

The BBC insists its coverage of the debate has been balanced and impartial.