VOTING to stay in the UK will result in lower bills, more jobs and better public spending compared to an independent Scotland, according to the Scottish Secretary.

A new leaflet detailing five benefits of the Union is being sent to households next week from the UK Government.

The benefits Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael claims the UK provides are:

l Keeping the UK pound: one of the strongest and most stable currencies in the world.

l Cheaper bills: with the UK's financial standing keeping interest rates lower than they would be otherwise and energy bills up to £189 lower each year.

l More jobs: hundreds of thousands of Scottish jobs are connected to borderless trade as part of the UK.

l More support for public services: Scotland currently benefits from public spending per person that is around 10% higher than the UK average.

l A stronger Scottish Parliament: more powers for Scotland are guaranteed.

Mr Carmichael said: "We are only weeks away from the most important decision we will ever make as a country. A decision to leave the UK cannot be reversed. We need to make sure we get it right.

"People in Scotland need to have the facts before they vote on September 18.

"With every passing week it becomes clearer the Scottish Government has not thought this through properly. They are blinded by their passion for independence. They have no plan on currency, no plan on pensions and no idea how much it would all cost.

The UK Government sent out a leaflet earlier and said the second was in response to people saying they are not getting enough information.

Mr Carmichael added: "People want credible and reliable information to help them make their decision."

stewart.paterson@eveningtimes.co.uk