His comments come just 200 days ahead of September's crucial independence referendum as he urged voters to make sure they are well informed and insisted that nobody could afford to be complacent as "independence would have far-reaching consequences".

"The referendum is fast approaching and that means it's time for everyone to turn their attention to how they intend to vote," Carmichael added.

"But this is not a decision to be taken lightly - we cannot afford to gamble with our nation's future - so that means making an informed choice and to do that we all need to get the facts.

"There is a wealth of information out there already and I know there is much more to come.

"And nobody should think that this is not a decision that matters for them.

"Crucial decisions - like whether you keep the UK pound in your pocket and who will be a British citizen - rest on this vote.

"There are also a host of great British institutions - from the BBC and the National Lottery to the Met Office and our Olympic teams - who would have to be broken up in the event of independence."

Britain's most successful Olympian is a Scot - Sir Chris Hoy ©Getty Images


Scottish athletes won seven of Great Britain's 29 gold medals at the London 2012 Summer Games, while Sir Chris Hoy - who has spoken in the past of his pride at being both Scottish and British - is not only the most decorated British Olympian of all time but also the most successful Olympic cyclist in history.

Meanwhile, Britain's Sochi 2014 men's and women's curling teams - who won silver and bronze respectively - were both led by Scots, namely David Murdoch and Eve Muirhead.

However, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a Yes vote to independence would secure the powers Scotland needs.

She criticised David Cameron, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, last month for making what she called "a cowardly speech" at the London 2012 Olympic Park on the opening day of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics to try to stop Scotland from breaking away.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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