London: With exactly one week to go before the crucial Scottish independence referendum decided the future of Scotland and the United Kingdom, the opposing sides have ratcheted up their efforts to convince the Scots, launching an intense advertisement campaign.
A plethora of TV commercials and ad posters have sprung up, with each camp trying its best to woo the voters to get on its side.
However, just like the YouGov poll that showed the 'Yes' camp a notch above the 'No' camp, the ad campaigns also seem to be inclined towards the independence-backers reportedly.
According to an Associated Press report, a TV ad launched by pro-union camp got viral but for all wrong reasons, as it triggered a string of spoofs and mockery comments.
The ad, according to the report, shows a housewife in the kitchen, complaining about her husband's constant chatter about the independence referendum. However, as the wife keeps busy with her own chores in the kitchen, she doesn't have time to think about voting.
The ad reportedly drew flak for being 'sexist' in tone.
While, the ads created by the independence backers seem to be hogging the limelight for all good reasons. In one of the ads, a parent is shown holding its baby's hand, with the caption "Scotland's future in Scotland's hands."
On the other hand, a similar ad by the pro-union supporters with the caption - "we love our kids, we're saying no thanks" – was slammed for implying that 'Yes' supporters did not care about their kids.
The leaders from both the camps have also upped the ante against the opposite side, with Scottish ministers constantly tweeting pro-independence statements and opinions. While pro-union leaders, including PM David Cameron, are trying their best t0 woo the Scots to vote 'No'.
Cameron along with Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband reached Scotland to plead the citizens to vote against independence.
Whereas Scottish ministers Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon slammed his Scotland trip, calling it an indication of panic in the “Better Together” camp.
On Twitter too, pro-independence camp seems to be gaining more weight than others, as the “Yes Scotland” Twitter account has 81000 followers, more than double the number of followers of “Better Together” camp, which has just 37000 followers to its credit.
Pro-independence supporters contend that a Yes vote will lead to complete control over Scotland’s wealth and tax system, thus economy could be improved further and more jobs could be carverd for people in Scotland.
According to a tweet by the 'Yes Scotland' camp, that cites a report, two thirds of Scotland’s architects favour breaking away from the UK.
The report adds that culture secretary Fiona Hyslop too has called for an end to the brain-drain to London.
"Two thirds of Scotland’s architects favour breaking away from the UK" http://t.co/yvvIO9LAKG #VoteYes #indyref
— Yes Scotland (@YesScotland) September 11, 2014
In another tweet, the 'Yes Scotland' says, “All a No vote gives Scotland is more of the same out-of-touch Westminster governments, which have all too often failed to deliver real opportunity in Scotland”.
Scottish minister Nicola Sturgeon cautioned the pro-independence supporters to avoid being affected by the Westminster leaders' comments, saying, “Over the next few days, Westminster will throw every scare imaginable at us. Don't let them undermine our confidence”.
On the other hand, ex-PM Gordon Brown urged the old Scots to persuade their younger generation to vote 'No'.
Over the next few days, Westminster will throw every scare imaginable at us. Don't let them undermine our confidence. Stay strong. Vote Yes.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 10, 2014
"I want Scotland's pensioners to pass on their wisdom to young people about the benefits of working together," tweeted Brown.
