Scottish independence guide: Everything you need to know ahead of the Yes/No vote

With 10 days left before Scotland goes to the polls, the Yes campaign has taken the lead in an opinion poll for the first time. Here is our essential guide ahead of next week's referendum

The Union and Saltire flags blow in the wind at the Cowal Highland Gathering (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

On the 18 September, Scotland will vote on whether or not it will become an independent country.

With the Yes campaign taking the lead in the polls for the first time and Better Together having dropped up to 22 percentage points in a month, the UK's attention is firmly on the state of the union.

Much of the debate in the past months has hinged on matters of the economy, as it was revealed today that the uncertainty over Scotland's future has seen the pound slump to a 10-month low.

But there are a range of other matters a stake, and after returning from a weekend with the Queen at Balmoral David Cameron will this week try to convince the people of Scotland that they will receive a greater say over how their country is run, even if they stay in the UK.

As it is the numbers play such a key role in Scotland's future, we've created a series of infographics that give you all the facts you need to know ahead of the historic vote.

Residents of Scotland will vote on their future on 18 September 2014.

In the event of a Yes vote, Westminster would pass legislation enabling Scotland to begin the process of independence. Alex Salmond has said he wants this to be completed by 24 March 2016.

In the event of a No vote, nothing would legally change - but the Scottish Parliament looks set to be given more powers regardless. This will likely include changes over how taxes and spending are set.