ALEX SALMOND last night told his supporters to sleep well before they grasp Scotland's chance of a lifetime in a final rallying call before the nation goes to the polls today.

The SNP leader hailed the 'people power' of Yes Scotland before a huge flag waving crowd of activists in his set-piece speech at Perth Concert Hall.

But there was little chance of anyone present at a gathering pumped up on adrenaline heeding the First Minister's advice until some time next week.

Mr Salmond praised the "people power of the greatest grassroots political campaign in Scottish history" which he said contrasted with "the Westminster establishment's cobbled together more powers offer, which has fallen apart in the face of Tory backbench opposition."

To a wider audience beyond the venue at the event which was televised live, Mr Salmond spoke of "the enduring bonds" continuing to link an independent Scotland with the rest of the UK.

Ecstatic is only term to describe the mood at the venue as Yes activists jammed the city to the point where no-one was getting a mobile phone signal.

The stall seating had been removed to create a huge standing area giving a Proms atmosphere and still there were crowds outside unable to get in.

"This has been the greatest campaign in Scottish history - and you the greatest campaigners, he said. "We meet tonight on the eve of the most exciting day in Scottish democracy. We do so to catch our breath for the day ahead - a day which Scotland will never forget.

"Tomorrow is the opportunity of a lifetime. A precious chance to leave our mark in the pages of history. I have toured this country on many a campaign. But never have I experienced such a remarkable wave of political activism."

Mr Salmond added: "If we win tomorrow - and that is now in your hands - it will be because of the thousands of individuals all across Scotland who have become leaders in their communities.

"But the reaction of the Westminster establishment to this demonstration of people power is telling. It's the reaction of the powerful few who believe they always know what is best - that power should always be in their hands. So the Westminster parties cobble together separate, contradictory proposals for more powers - none of which offer any answers to the real challenges we face. They fail to come up with an agreed package that the voters can judge and scrutinize and vote on. Instead they say 'leave it to us, we will sort it out' - behind closed doors, among themselves in the committee rooms of Westminster. It is an approach out of touch and out of time. But let's be clear - in the event of a No vote, even if such a deal could be struck, it wouldn't be the people of Scotland who would have the final say.

"It would be Westminster MPs and the House of Lords who would have the power. And the Prime Minister's backbenchers have already made it crystal clear that they would fight tooth and nail to prevent any serious tax and economic powers being devolved to Scotland. So within 24 hours even this last minute, vague intervention from Westminster has fallen apart.

"It is the clearest demonstration yet of why Scotland's future must be in Scotland's hands. It makes the case for Yes more clearly than ever. Tomorrow with a Yes vote we can deliver for Scotland real power - the power to choose hope over fear, opportunity over despair."

Mr Salmond said Westminster had the effrontery to say the nation of Adam Smith could not run its own economy, the land of Robert Burns did not understand internationalism.

He added: "If it goes against us tomorrow I pledge to accept the result with dignity but if there is a Yes vote, on Friday there shall be a Team Scotland to take this nation forward."

The First Minister also spoke to the rest of the UK, saying: "In an independent Scotland you will find the closest friend, most honest counsel and most committed ally. What we seek is a relationship of equals in these isles for our mutual advantage."

And he told the audience: "So friends let us tonight sleep well, and tomorrow grasp Scotland's opportunity of a lifetime."

Elaine C. Smith, introducing the speakers, brought Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the stage. She said: "With a simple cross on the ballot paper we can take control of our own country into our own hands. The latest poll has Yes on 49%.

"Tomorrow, can we take that to over 50%."