TOGETHER we stand, divided we fall. That’s my view on the Union and continues to be.

The fact we’re only months away from a vote which could shatter it is depressing, to put it mildly.

A clever politician, it has to be said, Alex Salmond exploits the historic angst between England and Scotland to promote his case.

The polls show that Mr Salmond is losing the argument, but complacency is a very present danger.

The vote has been a certainty for a year, but it’s only now that serious questions on responsibility for our national debt, North Sea oil and the role of the pound are being debated.

The recriminations that would follow a ‘yes’ vote would be devastating, and rightly so. Britain would be diminished permanently by the loss of our closest cousins.

Our international standing would be significantly weakened, while at home Mr Salmond’s victory would encourage others of similar mind to exploit the gaping vacuum.

I’m thinking on an independent Wales, and who can second-guess what would happen in Ireland.

Then there are the losses of the saltire from our flag, the distinguished Scottish regiments from our army and, yes, the genuine rivalry during the Six Nations, which only a united country could possibly engender.

And in the event of independence, what would happen to Scottish MPs after the general election and would a minority Labour government have any legitimacy?

I’ve always been a David Bowie fan and he’s risen even further in my estimation when he sent Kate Moss to the Brit Awards to beg Scotland to ‘please stay with us’. While his approach was unorthodox, I agree with his sentiment.

Finally, why is this referendum restricted to Scotland?

Surely, if we are going break up our great country, we should all have a say.