Scots have been warned there will be no going back if they discover Alex Salmond’s independence claims are “codswallop”.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said the referendum was unlike normal elections where people will eventually have an opportunity to get rid on an unwanted government.
Speaking in Lochgilphead as part of his Highland Fling tour, the MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife warned of the consequences of a No vote.
“But with this referendum the people don’t get another chance. It is irreversible,” Mr Rennie said.
“If Alex Salmond wins but we later discover his prospectus is codswallop we will be in it up to our necks. We will not be able to kick out independence in five years time. It will be with us for life, for ever.”
Mr Rennie said the first minister had a reputation “as a bit of a chancer” as he attacked SNP claims about NHS privatisation, a formal currency union, job creation, the credit rating of a independent Scotland, the amount of oil left, EU membership, and that there will be no cuts with a Yes vote.
He said: “People cannot risk a protest vote. The referendum is real. It might be your vote that makes the difference between breaking up the UK and remaining in the UK.
“This will not be a fad, or a phase. Once the circus leaves town we will be left with the reality of our decisions.”