Scottish independence would be economic disaster, finance experts warn just as the SNP say the economy is key battleground, Daily Mail

  Businesses and academics warn country would be plunged into turmoil

  Scotland would join the list of impoverished European countries

  Another says there would be 'utter panic' if voters back independence

Finance experts, academics and business leaders have raised fears that independence would destroy the economy, hit investment and force companies to migrate to England.

In an unprecedented survey that will prove devastating for the SNP, analysts believe a Yes vote in the referendum could lead to the loss of thousands of jobs and plunge the country into turmoil.

One finance insider suggested Scotland would be added to the list of impoverished European countries left on their knees. Another said there would be 'utter panic' among finance firms and several warned of a 'disaster' for Scotland.

Alex Salmond's separatist vision was dismissed as 'economically incoherent'; there were warnings that 'skilled labour' would leave; and creating a new border would cut gross domestic product (GDP) by as much as 3 per cent. 

The findings are particularly humiliating for Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who yesterday predicted the economy would be the key battleground in the referendum campaign.

The Financial Times asked a number of high-profile economists and eminent university professors to examine the impact of a Nationalist victory in September.

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Keep William Wallace out of it says Danny Alexander, Daily Mail

I am a Highlander. I spent my early years on Colonsay in the Hebrides, then moved to Lochaber and went to high school in Fort William. One of the most powerful memories of this time was seeing the Commando memorial at Spean Bridge twice a day from the school bus.

This imposing monument commemorates the role played by young men from all over the UK in protecting our freedom during the Second World War.

It’s a sight I have in mind as we approach the decision next month on whether Scotland should break away from the UK and become independent.

That memorial, a tribute to the extraordinary strength of our family of nations, is something I will think of when I watch this week’s TV debate between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling.

It’s not often you’ll see a Liberal Democrat rooting for an ex-Labour Cabinet Minister like Darling. But now, more than ever, with only a few weeks until the referendum, is a time to lay down party political differences and stand up for the interests of Scotland – and the UK.

Expect fireworks, rhetorical flourishes and verbal acrobatics from the Scottish First Minister.

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New Skoda Fabia 2015 pictures and details | Auto Express

New Skoda Fabia 2015 pictures and details | Auto Express

One Tough Step to Blasting Open Doors for Your Life, Charisma Magazine

The Guillens were a bright, young, cheerful couple--cheerful despite the fact that their daughter was born with a large lump on the side of her neck. The child was beautiful, but the massive growth drew attention away from her pretty features.

Along with our church, they prayed diligently for her healing. Yet their prayers, including ours, did not seem to avail.

Then one day I received a call from this couple. "Pastor, our little girl is healed! The growth is gone!" The next day they shared their wonderful testimony with our church. With my own eyes I could verify this healing. There she was. Perfectly healed! No trace of the growth was there.

The thing that impressed me the most was not the healing, but how the healing took place.

This is the Guillens' testimony:

"The Lord laid upon our hearts to fast for our daughter. We didn't know much about fasting but we did it anyway. Our daughter began to complain that her neck was hurting. Soon she was screaming in pain. The soft growth turned hard. We were concerned, but we knew God had called us to fast for our daughter, and we knew she would be healed. One morning we noticed that the growth was a little smaller. The next day it shrank more. Finally, the growth disappeared altogether."

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Independence: RBS reiterate ‘Yes’ concerns, The Scotsman Newspaper

THE Royal Bank of Scotland has repeated its warning of a “material adverse effect” on its business if voters back independence in next month’s referendum.

The bank, which is 80 per cent owned by the taxpayer, highlighted the potential for uncertainty caused by a Yes vote, which it said could significantly impact the group’s credit ratings as well as the fiscal, monetary, legal and regulatory landscape to which the business is subject.

In a section outlining the risk factors facing the group, RBS said in its half-year results that independence could “significantly impact the group’s costs and would have a material adverse effect on the group’s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects”.

The stark warning from the bank is in line with a statement it made in its annual report earlier this year about the consequences of independence.

The company, which has maintained a neutral position ahead of the vote, has been holding talks with the Bank of England, UK Financial Investments and the Scottish and UK Governments over the referendum.

Half-year results from the bank confirmed figures published last week showing a big jump in operating profits to £2.6 billion. It said it has benefited from the improving economy, reduced bad debts and the quicker run down of non-core assets.

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Standard Life could leave independent Scotland – threatening 5,000 jobs, Daily Express

Labour leader Johann Lamont accused the First Minister of “denial, deception and delusion” after Standard Life confirmed it may flee south of the Border in the event of a Yes vote.

The financial giant, which employs about 5,000 people in Scotland, said it was drawing up contingency plans amid doubts over a breakaway country’s currency and EU membership.

The Edinburgh-based pensions, savings and insurance firm also raised concerns about future financial services regulation and taxation.

And, in another setback for the SNP, RBS used its full-year results to warn that uncertainty over the referendum is already damaging business. The state-owned bank also claimed a vote for independence would “significantly impact the group’s credit ratings” which could be passed on to mortgage and loan customers.

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Something wrong, Alex? Moment Scotland's First Minister is mocked by a fan waving an England flag behind at the Commonwealth Games. Daily Mail

  Fan was at diving final in Edinburgh where England nudged to second place

  First Minister smiled and gasped as flag-waving punter gave knowing smile 

  Salmond infamously unfurled Scots flag in Royal Box behind David Cameron

With just 47 days until Scotland votes on independence, Alex Salmond has been unfurling the Saltire whenever he can.

So a cheeky England fan couldn't resist photobombing the First Minister with the St George's Cross - almost a year after Salmond pulled a similar stunt at Wimbledon.

The politician was watching the men's 10m synchronised diving final in Edinburgh at the Commonwealth Games, which saw England's Tom Daley and James Denny claim silver.

He smiled, gasped and held his hand to his mouth - all the while oblivious to the fan behind him, who gave the camera a knowing smile.

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