5000 respond to referendum consultation

Independence: Referendum will be held in autumn 2014.© STV

More than 5000 responses to the Government's consultation on the forthcoming independence referendum have already been received, it has been revealed.

Welcoming the contributions, Cabinet Secretary for Government Strategy Bruce Crawford encouraged more people to make their views known about how they think the referendum should be run.

The Government launched its consultation document, Your Scotland, Your Referendum, on January 25. Due to close on May 11, the consultation period has now reached its halfway point.

First Minister Alex Salmond intends to hold a referendum on independence in autumn 2014.

The consultation paper sets out a proposed ballot paper with the question: "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?"

Mr Crawford said: "Since the launch of the Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation which was a historic occasion at Edinburgh Castle, attended by media from around the globe, we have seen a fantastic response from the people of Scotland with over 5000 contributions so far.

"As well as individuals we've already had contributions from many organisations including the Electoral Commission, STUC (Scottish Trades Union Congress) and Scottish Council Development and Industry and we will listen to each and every voice.

"But I want to encourage even more people to make their views known about how the referendum should be run.

"The consultation runs until May 11, 2012 and I would encourage everyone to take part and put forward their views on Scotland`s historic independence referendum."

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