Scots to defy odds and vote for independence, says Alex Salmond As the one-year countdown to Scotland's referendum on independence approaches, first minister Alex Salmond says a 'yes' vote would see the new nation state embrace Europe and NATO while insisting on the relocation of Britain's nuclear submarine base. He also made light of recent polls that show a clear lead for the unionists and instead underlined the economic and social gains to be made by an independent Scotland. Exclusive images and soundbites.