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Scotland referendum sides told to keep campaigns civil and peaceful Scotland referendum sides told to keep campaigns civil and peaceful
(35 minutes later)
Campaigners and politicians have been warned against using "intemperate, inflammatory and exaggerated language" in the Scottish referendum debate by the chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, following a complaint from Alastair Darling.
Campaigners and politicians have been warned against using "intemperate, inflammatory and exaggerated language" in the Scottish referendum debate by the chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, after a senior no campaign source suggested that polling day could descend into "absolute carnage".
Brian Docherty said: "The independence debate has been robust but overwhelmingly good natured and it would prove a disservice to those who have participated in it thus far to suggest that with 17 days to go, Scotland is about to disintegrate into absolute carnage on the back of making the most important decision in the country's history."Brian Docherty said: "The independence debate has been robust but overwhelmingly good natured and it would prove a disservice to those who have participated in it thus far to suggest that with 17 days to go, Scotland is about to disintegrate into absolute carnage on the back of making the most important decision in the country's history."
Earlier, Darling said he would talk to police chiefs about plans for polling day and his "increasing concerns about the temperature of the debate". Earlier, Alistair Darling, the leader of the no campaign, said he would talk to police chiefs about plans for polling day and his "increasing concerns about the temperature of the debate". A no campaign source was quoted on Monday as expressing concern about intimidation at polling stations, saying: "We are worried that there is going to be absolute carnage."
A senior no campaign source was quoted on Monday morning as expressing concern about intimidation at polling stations, saying: "We are worried that there is going to be absolute carnage." Docherty added: "Politicians and supporters of whichever point of view need to be mindful of the potential impact of intemperate, inflammatory and exaggerated language, lest they be seen to seek to create a self-fulfilling prophecy."
Docherty added: "Politicians and supporters of whichever point of view need to be mindful of the potential impact of intemperate, inflammatory and exaggerated language, lest they be seen to seek to create a self fulfilling prophecy." The former Scotland secretary, Jim Murphy, yesterday announced his "100 towns in 100 days" tour would resume in Edinburgh on Tuesday. Murphy had suspended his countrywide soap-box tour after accusing local yes campaign groufor 72 hours ps of orchestrating confrontations at his street meetings. The MP was pelted with eggs in Kirkcaldy last Wednesday.
They were speaking as the former secretary of state Jim Murphy announced his "100 towns in 100 days" tour would hit Edinburgh on Tuesday. Murphy had suspended his countrywide soap-box tour for 72 hours on Friday, after accusing local yes campaign groups of orchestrating confrontations at his street meetings. The MP for East Renfrewshire was pelted with eggs in Kirkcaldy last Wednesday. Mary Pitchaithly, the chief counting officer overseeing the referendum, said she did not have any concerns about the conduct of voters on polling day., adding that it was normal practice to work with police on matters of public safety and security for any election of referendum event. "A high turnout is expected on the day, but we have taken steps to address this by allocating a maximum of 800 electors to each polling place across the country. This will help to ensure everyone can cast their vote without having to queue for an unacceptable amount of time."
Steele said: "Up till now, the behaviour of the vast majority suggests that there is nothing to worry about. Nobody should have any fears about taking part in the democratic process."
Mary Pitchaithly, the chief counting officer overseeing the referendum, said she did not have any concerns about the conduct of voters on polling day, adding that it was normal practice to work with police on matters of public safety and security for any election of referendum event.
"A high turnout is expected on the day, but we have taken steps to address this by allocating a maximum of 800 electors to each polling place across the country," Pitchaithly said. "This will help to ensure everyone can cast their vote without having to queue for an unacceptable amount of time."
Asst Ch Const Bernard Higgins, of Police Scotland, said: "The referendum is a significant event which is expected to attract a higher than normal turnout. Policing arrangements for the referendum are well in hand and will be appropriate and proportionate. Police Scotland's priority is to ensure public safety and security."Asst Ch Const Bernard Higgins, of Police Scotland, said: "The referendum is a significant event which is expected to attract a higher than normal turnout. Policing arrangements for the referendum are well in hand and will be appropriate and proportionate. Police Scotland's priority is to ensure public safety and security."
So far, a 55-year-old man has been charged in connection with an alleged assault on a woman, following what was described as a heated debate, between yes and no supporters in Glasgow on Saturday. So far, a 55-year-old man has been charged in connection with an alleged assault on a woman, following what was described as a "heated debate", between yes and no supporters in Glasgow on Saturday.
Police are also investigating an allegation of assault following an incident outside Tynecastle stadium, again on Saturday afternoon. Filmed footage appears to show members of the group Hearts Supporters for Independence being threatened by men singing Rule Britannia.Police are also investigating an allegation of assault following an incident outside Tynecastle stadium, again on Saturday afternoon. Filmed footage appears to show members of the group Hearts Supporters for Independence being threatened by men singing Rule Britannia.
A police source acknowledged that, with 17 days to go and passions running high, incidents like these were likely to increase in frequency. They said that level heads were required, and raised the question of whether the no campaign were using such events to unnerve voters into supporting the status quo. A police source acknowledged that, with seventeen 17 days to go and passions running high, incidents like these were likely to increase in frequency. They said that level heads were required, and raised the question of whether the no campaign were using such events to unnerve voters into supporting the status quo.
Better Together said that it had yet to receive a response to Jim Murphy's demand that Yes Scotland "call off their mobs". Better Together's chief executive, Blair McDougall, wrote to his counterpart at Yes Scotland, Blair Jenkins, on Friday. The campaign had received assurances from police that they will be keeping a much closer eye on Murphy's events. Better Together said that it had yet to receive a response to Jim Murphy's demand that Yes Scotland "call off their mobs". Their Better Together's chief executive, Blair McDougall, wrote to his counterpart at Yes Scotland, Blair Jenkins, on Friday. The campaign had received assurances from Ppolice Scotland that they will be keeping a much closer eye on Murphy's events.