Scottish independence: 'No' campaign receives £1m more in campaign donations than 'yes'
£2.7 million was raised by Let’s Stay Together and £1.8 million by Yes Scotland
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.With both sides of the Scottish independence debate locked in a final push for votes, it has been revealed that the pro-union campaign raised almost a million pounds more in funding than the “yes” camp.
Figures compiled by the Electoral Commission show that a total £2.7 million was raised by Let’s Stay Together, compared to £1.8 million by Yes Scotland.
The gulf shows little sign of being repeated in opinion polls, which still suggest the result of Thursday’s referendum is on a knife-edge.
As part of the Scottish Independence Referendum Act, registered campaigners have been legally obliged to declare all donations and loans over £7,500 received since December last year and spending limits have been set.
The largest donations were gathered by the two lead campaign groups, with £1.5 million from Yes Scotland and £2.4 million from Better Together.
Huge contributions have been made by some individuals, including two £500,000 gifts for the pro-independence camp from lottery winners Chris and Colin Weir.
The couple, who won £161 million in the EuroMillions lottery in 2011, said they gave the money “to ensure there was a chance of an informed debate”.
William Tait Senior, the director of Denholm Seafood, donated £100,000 and another £20,000 came from former RBS chairman Sir George Mathewson.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling gave the largest personal donation of £1 million to the pro-union campaign, sparking criticism from pro-independence Scots on Twitter.
Joe Hemani, the vice-president of Chelsea football club, also gave £10,000 to Better Together.
It is the first time voters anywhere in the UK have been able to see how campaigners at a referendum are financed before they cast their vote.
Political parties are not required to submit donation and loans reports to the Electoral Commission before the referendum but spending limits for those represented in the Scottish Parliament were set.
Alex Salmond’s Scottish National Party was allowed to use £1,344,000, with mostly pro-union Scottish Labour allowed £831,000 and the smaller parties including Scottish Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Greens far less.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments