Sky Poll: Scots Unclear Over No Vote Powers

An exclusive YouGov poll for Sky News has found almost two-thirds of people in Scotland are unclear what powers would be devolved to them if they stayed within the Union.

The survey comes after the leaders of the three main parties at Westminster signed a pledge to give "extensive new powers" to Holyrood in the event of a No vote.

The unique study of nearly 2,400 Scots found that despite political disagreement over Scotland's right to keep the pound - voters were less uncertain about currency than the subject of devolution.

On whether an independent Scotland would be able to keep the pound, 57% were clear and 38% unclear, with 5% "don't knows".

On what devolved powers would be given to Scotland if it remained in the United Kingdom, 33% were clear while 61% were unclear.

The findings come on the last day of campaigning before voters north of the border go to the polls on Thursday to decide the country's future.

Professor Nicola McEwen from the Scottish Centre on Constitutional Change said: "What's really interesting is that since we had that one opinion poll at the beginning of last week put the Yes side ahead for the first time, the No campaign have felt bound into emphasising the 'more powers' option.

"The problem is they've drawn attention to the fact that we don't really know what that option is."

Better Together campaigners insist the uncertainties are greater with independence.

Guy Walker, 61, has walked 430 miles from Hampshire to Edinburgh carrying a sign which states: "Divided we fall."

He told Sky News: "There are so many consequences which are hidden.

"They've been arguing about things that they see, and my worry is - the world is so unstable at the moment and it's the unforeseen that will hurt both countries because they'll be looking in opposite directions."

The poll suggests pro-independence campaigners claim to have more clarity over disputed areas of the debate - such as currency.

Some 80% of Yes voters said they were clear over whether Scotland would keep the pound.

Yes campaigner John Cunningham told Sky News: "We wanted to negotiate on currency before the referendum date.

"It was Cameron that said 'no pre-negotiation' because they thought it would be an easy push over.

"They thought they could terrify us, but the Scots aren't easily scared."

Art students from Edinburgh College were recently given a project to sum up the referendum campaigns.

Many of the submissions illustrate the public confusion, including one by Ruth McGregor who drew a Scissors, Paper, Stone game to convey the Yes, No and Undecided voters.

As one of the latter, she told Sky News: "It's going to change the future and you have no idea what's going to happen. It's like one big gamble."