THE referendum on independence is no joke, but humour will be vital to the debate, comic Rory Bremner insisted as he made clear the issue is too important to leave to politicians.

Bremner revealed that despite knowing little about Scottish politics before his show at this year's Festival, he was now following the referendum debate closely.

"There's great humour to be had," he said. "There's a lot of big, different characters involved and good arguments and there are plenty of good Scottish comedians, who can have plenty of fun with it.

"It's far too dangerous to leave it to the politically minded," declared the 52-year-old performer, who made his comments while hosting a fundraising lunch for care charity Quarriers.

He explained how he had completed a crash course in Scots politics before his summer show by talking to experts on oil, energy and independence.

He will also be reading the SNP's White Paper, Scotland's Future. "I got a wrapped present and it looks very much like a 600-page document, so I'm looking forward to reading that over the holidays."

Bremner admitted he had yet to make up his mind on independence. "I haven't taken a position on it, but it's a national debate and it's important to have some humour. There's a place for comedians, just as there is for politicians and others."

In a recent Herald interview, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael also made clear the independence debate should not be left to politicians alone.

He said: "This has got to be a debate all of Scotland has a voice in because if we, the Scottish people, leave it to politicians and the political parties, then it will become a pretty sterile and pointless exercise. Scots from all stripes and all backgrounds need to have their say."