Polls show the vote on Scottish independence is on a knife edge. A split would end the 307-year union which has helped push Scotland to its affluent position. But some argue it's also held it back from its full economic potential.
Scotland's economic riches —
Polls show the vote on Scottish independence is on a knife edge. A split would end the 307-year union which has helped push Scotland to its affluent position. But some argue it's also held it back from its full economic potential.
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The Old Town House in Aberdeen was once the center of the busy merchant town.
Scotland's economic riches —
The Old Town House in Aberdeen was once the center of the busy merchant town.
Courtesy of University of Aberdeen Museums; Copyright University of Aberdeen
Businessman Kenny Anderson worked on its renovation in 2005. He sees a parallel between the success of his own company and the potential power of an independent Scotland.
Scotland's economic riches —
Businessman Kenny Anderson worked on its renovation in 2005. He sees a parallel between the success of his own company and the potential power of an independent Scotland.
Courtesy Kenny Anderson
Around 90% of the UK's oil comes from Scotland. Different parties estimate it has between 15 and 24 million barrels of oil reserves in the North Sea. According to the Scottish government, oil riches could bring up to $2.4 trillion in revenue.
Scotland's economic riches —
Around 90% of the UK's oil comes from Scotland. Different parties estimate it has between 15 and 24 million barrels of oil reserves in the North Sea. According to the Scottish government, oil riches could bring up to $2.4 trillion in revenue.
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The global popularity of Scotch whiskey is boosting the country's exports.
Scotland's economic riches —
The global popularity of Scotch whiskey is boosting the country's exports.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Scotland is an important player in the UK's energy market -- and not just because of its oil and gas reserves. Pictured here is Hunterston B nuclear power station, which supplies electricity to roughly 1.7 million UK homes.
Scotland's economic riches —
Scotland is an important player in the UK's energy market -- and not just because of its oil and gas reserves. Pictured here is Hunterston B nuclear power station, which supplies electricity to roughly 1.7 million UK homes.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Scotland is also home to the world's largest and most powerful offshore wind turbine in Methil, Scotland.
Scotland's economic riches —
Scotland is also home to the world's largest and most powerful offshore wind turbine in Methil, Scotland.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
The currency question remains Scotland's thorniest. British Prime Minister has rejected the idea of a currency union. Pictured here are Scottish bank notes.
Scotland's economic riches —
The currency question remains Scotland's thorniest. British Prime Minister has rejected the idea of a currency union. Pictured here are Scottish bank notes.
Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Scotland has strong construction sector. Pictured here is a construction worker on the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier being in Rosyth Dockyard in Scotland.
Scotland's economic riches —
Scotland has strong construction sector. Pictured here is a construction worker on the flight deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier being in Rosyth Dockyard in Scotland.
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