Legislation to hold the Scottish independence referendum has been passed unanimously by MSPs in a landmark vote at Holyrood.

They approved the Bill, which sets out the rules and confirms the question which will be put to voters in Scotland on September 18 next year.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "We can be proud today that we're passing legislation that will put Scotland's future into Scotland's hand."

Labour MSP Malcolm Chisholm, in a speech applauded by the SNP, said politicians must not "go to war".

He said: "The two sides on this question are not enemies. We all inhabit the same country, we all share many of the same values."

Labour and the SNP share many thoughts on domestic policy, he told Parliament.

The Bill will allow 16 and 17-year-olds across Scotland to vote for the first time.

Voters will be asked: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"