The campaign to keep Scotland in the EU has launched in Edinburgh.
Leaders of the Scotland Stronger in Europe group said their movement would aim to make the “positive case” for staying with Brussels.
Professor Mona Siddiqui, who is chairing the campaign, said people north of the border could “lead the way in keeping the UK in Europe” – but also admitted the EU “isn’t perfect”.
The Scotland Stronger in Europe group, who also opened their headquarters in Glasgow yesterday, is a branch of the national British campaign of the same name.
Ms Siddiqui, a senior academic at Edinburgh University, said: “Scotland Stronger in Europe believes that we are stronger, better off and safer as part of the European Union.
“Staying in is the right choice for the sake of jobs, trade, investment, prices and security. Everyone knows that the EU isn’t perfect – but the gains of being in clearly outweigh the costs.
“The referendum result at UK level may well be extremely close, and Scotland’s votes could make the difference in delivering a vote to stay.
“We know that support to remain in Europe crosses other Scottish political divides, and therefore the Stronger In campaign can be a common platform for people to stand on in Scotland.
“By their very nature, referendums tend to be divisive, and that may be the case elsewhere in the UK. But in this referendum, Scotland has an opportunity to come together and lead the way in keeping the UK in Europe.”
Opinion polls have consistently shown a clear majority of Scots back remaining in the EU, while polls south of the border are less consistent.
The campaign’s senior spokesman, John Edward, added: “Scotland Stronger in Europe is making a positive, fact-based case to remain in Europe.
“We believe that is what will be most effective in mobilising the strong majority that exists in Scotland for the UK to stay in.
“There is big and broad support in Scotland to stay in Europe, but we aren’t taking a single vote for granted.
“Instead, the opportunity for Scotland to help determine the UK-wide result will be a key part of our message in enthusing and motivating the electorate.”