Scotland news in 60 seconds: What David Beckham, the Queen & Groundskeeper Willie from The Simpsons think

There are only three days left until Scotland votes on its independence, and the outcome is more uncertain than ever, while more and more famous faces and commentators weight into the debate in last-ditch attempts to woo swing voters.

Here’s all the latest news you need to know about the Scottish referendum from today and the weekend:

The polls are now too close to call

Some polls are showing that the “Yes” campaign is now ahead, while others show the “No” campaign ahead. The margins either way are slim, but the differing outcomes mean the result is now too close to call. Read more on Sky News.

Independence would create a “£14bn black hole” for Scotland, a think tank says

The Centre for Policy Studies reckons that independence would cost so much because of banks leaving Scotland, a drop in oil revenues, and a big jump in the cost of pensions. Read more on the Daily Mail.

David Beckham wants Scotland to stay in the UK

It was the heavyweight political insight that we’ve all been waiting for… and now David Beckham has finally shared his views on independence. He’s written an open letter saying how proud he feels when Andy Murray wins tennis matches, and how he’d really prefer it if we could all just stick together.

Here’s the letter, which is doing the rounds on Twitter. You can also view it here.

The Queen takes the unusual step of sharing her views… kind of

It’s very rare for old Queenie to wade into politics. She’s avoided passing comment on what she thinks Scotland should do, but she has urged Scots to “think very carefully” before they vote. The Better Together campaign was reportedly pleased by that, but Buckingham Palace subsequently said that the Queen is constitutionally impartial and above politics. Read more on the FT.

Thousands of Scots are campaigning for BBC political editor Nick Robinson to be sacked

There were protests of between 1,000 and 2,000 people in Scotland over the weekend (depending on whose report you read) calling for BBC political editor Nick Robinson to be fired, as they believe his reporting is biased in favour of the “No” camp. Read more on Huffington Post UK.

Another one added to the list for the “day of reckoning”. #indyref#nothankspic.twitter.com/lSUireOInO

— Blair McDougall (@blairmcdougall) September 14, 2014

 

Vivienne Westwood says she “hates England”, and puts “yes” badges on models

We’re in the middle of London Fashion Week, and Vivienne Westwood has used her show to make a political statement, as she is wont to do. All her models were sent down the catwalk wearing “Yes” badges, and the grand dame of British couture has admitted she “hates” England. Read more on the Daily Mail.

Thousands of Scots are campaigning for BBC political editor Nick Robinson to be sacked

There have been protests of between 1,000 and 2,000 people in Scotland over the weekend (depending on whose report you read) calling for BBC political editor Nick Robinson to be fired, as they believe his reporting is biased in favour of the “No” camp. Read more on Huffington Post UK.

Another one added to the list for the “day of reckoning”. #indyref#nothankspic.twitter.com/lSUireOInO

— Blair McDougall (@blairmcdougall) September 14, 2014

Alex Salmond says this is a “once in a generation opportunity”…

Salmond was on The Andrew Marr Show yesterday and said: “We tend to take the attitude that there isn’t so much as a ‘No’ voter in Scotland”. When Marr asked Salmond if he would seek out another referendum if the result was “No”, Salmond pointed out that there was a constitutional referendum in 1979, then another 1997, so “this is a once in a generation opportunity for Scotland”. Read more and watch interview snippets on the BBC.

… while Alistair Darling says he’s going after the undecided voters

Darling, on the same show, told Marr the Better Together campaign will be “targeting the 500,000 or so voters who have still got to make their minds up, because the decision is that critical”. He said he had expected the race to narrow as the day of voting neared. Read more and watch interview snippets on the BBC.

And finally – here’s what Groundskeeper Willie from The Simpsons thinks of independence

“It’s not a tattoo, it’s a birthmark!”