THIS week's launch of the Yes Scotland campaign is an important milestone in the independence debate.

Just over a year since the SNP's landslide win at Holyrood made a referendum certain, voters will finally see what the Yes campaign looks like.

Although modern politics means an element of showbiz is obligatory, Friday's launch should be about more than celebrities out front, it should offer real substance.

Voters remain hungry for detail, especially on the financial consequences of independence in a precarious global economy.

One thing we do know is that Yes Scotland will be a positive campaign, both in outlook and style. The SNP learned many years ago that positive messages are more likely to engage and persuade the electorate.

So expect an emphasis on the transformational and historic aspects of independence, and a ban on Braveheart-style anti-Englishness.

But what of the No campaign?

So far, opponents of independence have offered little but negativity, preferring to list the potential problems of independence, without articulating the upsides, now and in the long-term, of the Union.

But scare stories alone are no way rally supporters to a cause. Unless voters hear a detailed positive case for the Union, they may wonder if one exists. So Friday should be a milestone for both sides.