Opinion polls suggest that the number of Scottish electors who will vote for independence in next month’s referendum falls some way short of a majority. Though the gap between the two sides has closed a little in recent weeks, it still stands at 54 per cent to 40 in favour of remaining in the United Kingdom. Independence campaigners had been hoping that this week’s television debate – pitting the head of the Scottish National Party, Alex Salmond, against the “No” campaign leader, Alistair Darling – would start a swing their way. This does not appear to have happened. Most media commentators say the result was either a draw or a win for Mr Darling. The debate so far has been generally civilised and intelligent, which may partly explain Mr Salmond’s