IT counts as the first official clash of the referendum campaign - and it has ended with honours even.
Better Together and Yes Scotland's applications to become the formally designated lead campaign groups in the referendum race were yesterday awarded identical marks of 44 out of 52 by the Electoral Commission.
Details of the applications emerged as the watchdog announced the rival organisations had passed the test and will, as expected, head up the Yes and No campaigns in the run-up to the September 18 vote.
It means they will be allowed to spend a maximum of £1.5 million on campaigning in the final 16 week period before polling day.
To qualify, the groups were required to submit lengthy application forms setting out their objectivesand demonstrating their ability to mount a major campaign.
Their answers to 13 key questions were marked on a scale of 0 to 4, giving a possible total of 52.
John McCormick, the Electoral Commissioner with responsibility for Scotland, said: "Both campaigners set out clearly how they will ensure their campaigns will reach voters across Scotland and we are grateful for the constructive way that they each engaged with the Commission during the designation process."
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