British Prime Minister David Cameron is to urge Scots to reject independence in a September 18 referendum today during a trip north to persuade Scotland to remain within the United Kingdom.
With 77 days remaining until Scots vote on whether to end a union with England that has lasted three centuries, polls vary on the gap between the 'Yes' and 'No' campaigns but all show the pro-union side ahead.
Speaking in support of the 'Better Together' campaign against independence, Cameron is expected to say a "silent majority" wish to remain in Britain and to urge them to speak out, according to an advance copy of his comments.
"We've heard the noise of the Nationalist few, but now it is time for the voices of the silent majority to be heard," Cameron will say.
"The silent majority who feel happy being part of the UK, the silent majority who don't want the risks of going it alone, the silent majority who worry about what separation would mean for their children and grandchildren... We need the voices of the many to ring out across the land."
The Better Together campaign has long said that a majority of Scots oppose independence - but that their voices are drowned out by a smaller but louder group who want to break away.
Cameron will argue that too many Scots have been made to feel they are unpatriotic if they do not support independence.
"We've achieved so much together. We're safer together. We're better off together. We've got the best of both worlds together," he will say.
"Loving your country means wanting the best for it - and for Scotland that is staying in the UK."
The pro-independence Yes Scotland campaign in response described Cameron as "seriously out of touch".
