LOCAL SNP MSP Adam Ingram has welcomed confirmation from the Scottish Government that it will accept all of the Electoral Commission recommendations on the referendum question and campaign spending limits.

Mr Ingram is pleased with the recommended question - 'Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes/No' - and welcomed the Deputy First Ministers confirmation that it will be this question that is put before the Scottish Parliament.

The Deputy First Minister also said she was satisfied with the recommended spending limits as they provide a level playing field for both sides of the debate.

In line with established practice in referendums throughout the UK, the Scottish Parliament will take the final decision on the wording of the question and campaign spending limits as part of its consideration of the Referendum Bill, which will be introduced in March.

The Electoral Commission has also called for clarity around what a 'No' vote will mean for Scotland and its recommendation that the Scottish and UK governments work together to give clarity to the process that will follow a 'Yes' vote.

Commenting Mr Ingram said: "I am very pleased with the conclusion the Electoral Commission has reached on the referendum question and campaign. While its view was the Scottish Governments proposed question was clear, simple and easy to understand, I am that the Scottish Government has accepted their recommended change.

"Their advice is based on rigorous testing and the Scottish Government will submit the Electoral Commission's recommended question - 'Should Scotland be an independent country?' - to the Scottish Parliament as part of the Referendum Bill.

"I am also pleased with the spending limits proposed by the Electoral Commission - they deliver a level playing field and will allow a fair and balanced debate on both sides.

"The Scottish Government has always said that Scotland's referendum will be run to the highest international standards of fairness and transparency, and the Electoral Commission plays a vital role in that.

"The Scottish Parliament will take the final decision on the wording of the question and campaign spending limits as part of its consideration of the Referendum Bill which reinforces that this is truly a referendum made in Scotland.

"I also welcome the Electoral Commission calls for both the Scottish and UK Governments to clarify what process will follow the referendum if most voters vote 'Yes' or most voters vote 'No' vote. The Electoral Commission rightly point out this is in line with the Edinburgh Agreement.

"It is disappointing that the UK Government has been refusing to enter into discussions with the Scottish Government to allow the voters to be better informed. This would not be pre-negotiation on the terms of independence but vital information for voters that will allow them to make an informed choice in autumn 2014. Given the Scottish Government is accepting all recommendations from the Electoral Commission I would hope that the UK Government is prepared to do the same."