Independence 'battle lines' drawn

15 October 2012 Last updated at 07:34 ET By Andrew Black Political reporter, BBC Scotland

Prime Minister David Cameron has arrived at the headquarters of the Scottish government to sign a deal on holding the independence referendum.

He shook hands with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond outside St Andrew's House in Edinburgh.

The deal will pave the way for the referendum in autumn 2014, with a single Yes/No question on Scotland leaving the UK.

It will also allow 16 and 17-year-olds to take part in the ballot.

The UK government, which has responsibility over constitutional issues, is expected to grant limited powers for the Scottish Parliament to hold a legal referendum, under a mechanism called Section 30.

It is understood the deal will also commit both governments to working together constructively in the best interests of the people of Scotland, whatever the outcome of the referendum.

Mr Salmond said the agreement would mean a referendum "made in Scotland", while the prime minister said keeping the United Kingdom together was his number one priority.

The deal will provide for:

• A statutory order to be legislated at Westminster, granting Holyrood powers to hold a single-question independence referendum by the end of 2014 and covering other issues like campaign broadcasts.

• A six-page six page "memorandum of agreement" to be signed by political leaders confirming the details of the referendum will be settled at Holyrood.

• A significant role for the Electoral Commission watchdog in advising on the wording of the question, the running of the referendum and areas including campaign finance.

A possible second question on greater powers has been dropped, while the Scottish government looks to have secured its preferred date.

Speaking ahead of meeting, Mr Salmond said: "The agreement I expect to reach with the prime minister is one which ensures that not only is the referendum made in Scotland, but that the fundamental right of the people of Scotland to choose their own future is respected by all.

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How to follow the day's events

• The BBC news website will cover the historic signing with a Live event page from 12:00 onwards.
• To follow the debate on social media sign up to the BBC's @breakingnews Twitter feed.
• For updates and analysis throughout the day listen to BBC Radio Scotland, which is on digital and also on 92-95 FM and 810 MW.
• You can watch live on the BBC News channel.
• There will be a special hour-long Reporting Scotland, starting at 18:30 on BBC One.
• For a round-up on the day's events and further analysis, there will be an extended Newsnight Scotland programme starting at 23:00 on BBC Two Scotland.

"The agreement will see Scotland take an important step toward independence, and the means to create a fairer and more prosperous Scotland. I look forward to working positively for a 'yes' vote in 2014."

The SNP secured a mandate to hold the referendum after winning an unprecedented majority in the Scottish Parliament election last year.

In a speech later, Mr Cameron will say: "This marks the beginning of an important chapter in Scotland's story and allows the real debate to begin.

"It paves the way so that the biggest question of all can be settled: a separate Scotland or a United Kingdom? I will be making a very positive argument for our United Kingdom.

"It is now up to the people of Scotland to make that historic decision."

The prime minister will also say: "The very future of Scotland depends on their verdict. It is that important.

"This agreement delivers the people's referendum."

The deal was negotiated between Scottish Secretary Michael Moore and Scotland's deputy first minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor said: "The real significance of today's agreement is this - the two leaders agree the rules for the referendum and, by implication, agree to respect and accept the outcome. Whatever it is."

What happens now?

October 2012 Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Alex Salmond sign the referendum agreement A Section 30 order transferring the rights to hold a referendum to Holyrood The findings of the Scottish government's Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation will be published Autumn/winter 2012 Electoral Commission begins the practical preparations, including testing the fairness and clarity of the question February 2013 The Section 30 Order will be agreed by the Privy Council Spring 2013 The Referendum Bill comes before Holyrood October 2013 MSPs take part in the crucial Stage 3 vote at the Scottish Parliament November 2013 Royal Assent is given to the bill The Scottish government will publish a White Paper - what it calls its "prospectus for independence". Other parties will also put forward their vision for the future of Scotland Summer 2014 The pro-independence and anti-independence campaigns intensify Autumn 2014 The Scottish independence referendum takes place (Source:BBC Scotland's Sunday Politics Scotland)

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