Scots independence campaign begins

Regulated campaigning for and against Scottish independence began on Friday four months before the referendum, against a backdrop of disputed economic claims. British finance minister George Osborne said the 300-year-old union between England and Scotland was worth £1,400 (1,720 euros, $2,350) for every Scot, while the bosses of home improvement chain B&Q and drinks firm Diageo warned of the negative impact independence could have on business.
Activists on both sides of the debate have ramped up their rhetoric in recent days with only 16 weeks to go until the historic vote on September 18. Remaining campaign time will now be governed by Electoral Commission rules, which sets a £1.5 million spending limit for both camps - "Yes Scotland" and the unionist "Better Together" - and allows access to benefits, including free delivery of campaign material to voters and referendum broadcasts.