More than 26,000 responses were received to the Scottish Government's independence referendum consultation, it has been revealed.

The figure is 5000 higher than the number of responses that had been estimated.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the response as "fantastic".

More than 160 organisations were among those to respond, with the Scottish Trades Union Congress, Electoral Commission, National Union of Students and Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations among them.

"The responses from organisations already made public show a lively debate around issues such as whether there should be a second question on the ballot paper," added Ms Sturgeon.

"They also show support for votes for 16 and 17-year-olds. We set out our preferred question in the consultation document but have always said we would listen to the view expressed in the responses we received."

The consultation ended in May and analysis is due to be completed and published by the Government by the end of the summer.

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