Salmond hails 'greatest campaign'

Alex Salmond has hailed the “people power” of the pro-independence movement as the “greatest campaign in Scottish history”.

Salmond hails 'greatest campaign'

Alex Salmond has hailed the “people power” of the pro-independence movement as the “greatest campaign in Scottish history”.

With tomorrow’s referendum on a knife-edge, the First Minister will make his final pitch to voters at a rally in Perth tonight.

He will praise Yes campaigners across the country for their efforts, which have seen support for independence rise to a level where it is virtually neck-and-neck with support for the union.

With the future of the United Kingdom hanging in the balance, Mr Salmond will also take the opportunity to highlight the “enduring bonds” which will continue between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

His address to supporters tonight comes just hours before polling gets under way at 7am tomorrow.

The SNP leader is expected to tell the crowd that they have mounted the “greatest campaign in Scottish history”.

He will declare: “We meet tonight on the eve of the most exciting day in Scottish democracy. We do so to catch our breath for the day ahead – a day which Scotland will never forget.

“Tomorrow is the opportunity of a lifetime. A precious chance to leave our mark in the pages of history.

“I have toured this country on many a campaign. But never have I experienced such a remarkable wave of political activism.”

He will add: “If we win tomorrow – and that is now in your hands – it will be because of the thousands of individuals all across Scotland who have become leaders in their communities.

“But the reaction of the Westminster establishment to this demonstration of people power is telling.

“It’s the reaction of the powerful few who believe they always know what is best – that power should always be in their hands.”

While David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have all signed up to a fast-tracked plan to deliver more powers to Holyrood if Scotland rejects independence tomorrow, Mr Salmond will claim these proposals fail to address the “real challenges we face”.

The three Westminster parties have been unable to “come up with an agreed package that the voters can judge and scrutinize and vote on”, he will add.

The offer from the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats will see a deal on more devolution sorted out “behind closed doors, among themselves in the committee rooms of Westminster”, the First Minister will claim.

“It is an approach out of touch and out of time.

“But let’s be clear – in the event of a No vote, even if such a deal could be struck, it wouldn’t be the people of Scotland who would have the final say.

“It would be Westminster MPs and the House of Lords who would have the power. And the Prime Minister’s backbenchers have already made it crystal clear that they would fight tooth and nail to prevent any serious tax and economic powers being devolved to Scotland.

“So within 24 hours even this last minute, vague intervention from Westminster has fallen apart.”

He will say that that “is the clearest demonstration yet of why Scotland’s future must be in Scotland’s hands” and add: “Tomorrow with a Yes vote we can deliver for Scotland real power – the power to choose hope over fear, opportunity over despair.”

As well as addressing voters in Scotland Mr Salmond is also expected to send a message to people south of the border.

He will insist the Yes campaign “don’t seek division, but rather equality”.

Their aim is a “new, better and harmonious relationship founded on our enduring bonds of family and culture”, he will add

In an independent Scotland you will find the closest friend, most honest counsel and most committed ally. What we seek is a relationship of equals in these isles for our mutual advantage.

“So, friends, let us tonight sleep well, and tomorrow grasp Scotland’s opportunity of a lifetime.”

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