THE proposed referendum on Scottish independence has been scheduled for 2010 on St Andrew’s Day, one of the most symbolic dates in the nationalist calendar.

After months of prevarication Alex Salmond has set a date for the poll, which could herald the break-up of the United Kingdom. Legislation paving the way for the referendum will be introduced at the Scottish parliament on January 25 — Burns Day — 2010 with a poll set for November 30.

The symbolic timing of the proposals are intended to exploit patriotic sentiment. The next general election is expected to be held between the two dates, in the spring of 2010. The first minister hopes a Conservative victory will rekindle memories of Margaret Thatcher, boosting support for independence.

The SNP intended to keep the date of the proposed legislation under wraps until nearer the time but it was inadvertently revealed this week by Kenneth Gibson, the nationalist MSP for Cunninghame North.

In an interview with La Patrie dal Friul, a minority language Italian magazine, Gibson said: “This date has been chosen because it is the anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns.”

Sources close to Salmond confirmed the dates had been “pencilled in”, adding: “Regardless of your views — whether for or against independence — the referendum is a celebration of Scottish democracy. It will be the people’s decision and what better way to promote Scotland’s positive democratic process than by encompassing the key dates in Scotland’s calendar?”

The referendum bill is expected to complete the first of its three parliamentary stages by the spring of 2010. After committee scrutiny, it would complete its third and final stage before the summer recess, followed by the royal assent in the summer and a referendum in November.

Salmond plans to dispense with the convention that elections are always on a Thursday in favour of St Andrew’s Day, which will fall on a Tuesday.

“Burns Day 2010 looks like an excellent day to introduce the referendum bill, and ministers are considering St Andrew’s Day itself for the poll — or at least a day during St Andrew’s week,” said a source. “There is nothing set in stone that elections and referendums always have to be on a Thursday.”

Scottish Labour’s former leader Wendy Alexander committed the party to supporting a referendum, but at least one of the frontrunners to replace her, Iain Gray, is against the idea.

Last week, The Sunday Times revealed that two of the three candidates to be leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats were open-minded about putting the question to voters.

Salmond has stated his preference for a simple yes-no question on independence, asking voters whether the government should start negotiations with Westminster on the issue.

The first minister has also said that to secure support from other parties he would accept a multiple-choice ballot which also asked if extra powers, such as taxation, should be devolved.

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