The Electoral Commission will play a key role in overseeing the referendum and ensuring that all parties - not least the electorate - has confidence in the result.

Earlier this year, the elections watchdog suggested that the referendum question proposed by SNP ministers should be changed.

Originally they wanted: "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?" 

However, following advice from the Electoral Commission they agreed to change it to: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

Read the Electoral Commission's full advice on the referendum question here.