SCOTLAND'S denominational schools would be given constitutional protection in the event of independence, an SNP Government minister has claimed.
Roseanna Cunningham, minister for legal affairs, made the pledge as many of the country's leading Roman Catholics publicly backed a Yes vote in Thursday's referendum.
In a full-page advert in today's Herald, 100 members of the Catholic community give their support to the Yes campaign, stating: "We believe a Yes vote in this week's referendum makes possible a more socially just Scotland."
The list includes Sir Harry Burns, former Chief Medical Officer of Scotland, Sir Charles Gray, former Strathclyde Regional Council leader, Professor Duncan MacLaren, the former Secretary General of the Vatican's relief agency, academic Owen Dudley Edwards, various members of the clergy and local authorities, as well as the lead duo with music group Deacon Blue, Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh.
Ahead of publication of the names and statement, Ms Cunningham said: "A Yes vote means that Scotland will have a written constitution and that means everyone can be assured that the constitution in place on Independence Day will uphold the rights and liberties of all, including freedom of religion and the protection of Catholic education."
The move follows the creation of a campaign group called Faith in the Union, funded by millionaire Labour peer Willie Haughey and fronted by Lord John Reid.
The Herald revealed on Friday that Scotland's most influential Catholic cleric, Archbishop Leo Cushley, that while a significant number who would describe themselves as Catholics were in favour of independence he had encountered equal numbers of No supporters.
Catholics are the most likely of all Scotland's religious groups to back a Yes vote. The 2012 Social Attitudes survey found 30 per cent of Catholics supported independence, compared to 26 per cent among those of no religion, and 17 per cent among Church of Scotland-identifiers.
Historian Dr Harry Schnitker of the Dundee-based St Ninian's Institute, also a signatory to today's list, said: "It is true that Holyrood has passed bills opposed by the Catholic Church, but the same bills have been passed in Westminster.
"On the whole, however, policies passed by the Scottish parliament have been more in line with Catholic thinking."
Today's advertisement was co-ordinated by the campaign group, Christians for Independence, largely funded by bus tycoon Brian Souter.
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