Both sides claim upper hand in TV debate

With 6 weeks to go before Scotland decides whether it'll split from the UK, both sides are claiming victory in the first live TV debate.

A snap poll for the Guardian gave Better Together leader Alistair Darling, a 56 - 44 percent lead over Alex Salmond.

But Yes Scotland says the same poll showed a four point rise in support for independence.

The two leaders set out their arguments on key issues like the possibility of a currency union.   

Former Chancellor Mr Darling says he doesn't think that could happen. 

Speaking in the sometimes angry STV debate, Mr Salmond tried to convince him it would be beneficial for both sides:

But Mr Darling told him such a union would not work:

Commenting on tonight's/last night's STV referendum debate, Yes Scotland Chief Executive Blair Jenkins said: 'A snap ICM poll taken immediately after the debate put support for Yes on 47 percent - a increase of four points on the previous ICM poll in July. By contrast, support for No fell by four points.

'This was a clear win for the Yes campaign - a positive, optimistic and visionary case presented by the First Minister against another dose of negativity and scaremongering from Mr Darling.

'What Mr Darling presented was the No campaign's bankrupt vision for the future of Scotland.

'He not only failed to make a positive case for a No vote - he didn't even try.

'The First Minister presented the positive, compelling case for Scotland taking our future into our own hands and using our vast wealth, talent and resources to build a better and fairer country.

'And it is that positive vision that will win the day with a Yes vote on September 18.'

Better Together Campaign Director Blair McDougall said: "Tonight’s debate will prove to be a huge, possibly decisive, moment in the referendum campaign.