British Prime Minister David Cameron and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond have signed an agreement to hold a
referendum in 2014 on Scottish independence, the prime minister's office has said.
The deal will allow Scotland to decide in a 2014 referendum whether it should become an independent country or stay within the United Kingdom after three centuries of union with England.
Scotland's drive for sovereignty, led by its nationalist leader Alex Salmond, echoes separatist moves by other European
regions such as Catalonia in Spain and Flanders in Belgium at a time when a crisis-hit European Union undergoes deep changes to its identity.
Salmond said the agreement would mean a referendum "made in Scotland", while Cameron said keeping the United Kingdom together was his number one priority.
Nationalists have timed the vote to coincide with the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn when Scottish forces
led by Robert the Bruce defeated English invaders.
Cameron opposes Scotland's push, arguing that Britain is stronger together, but London agrees it is up to Scottish to decide their future for themselves in a vote.
"There are many things I want this (government) to achieve but what could matter more than saving our United Kingdom?"
Cameron said in a speech last week. "Let's say it : We're better together and we'll rise together."
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