NEXT year's historic decision on Scotland's future is the focus of New Year messages from political leaders.

Labour leader Ed Miliband and his party colleague Alistair Darling - the leader of the Better Together campaign - said they hope 2014 will end with Scotland rejecting independence.

But Yes Scotland and the SNP said the year ahead offers the chance to create a better future.

Mr Darling said: "First and foremost we should not divide Scotland. We are all looking forward to an exciting year where we will cheer on our sports stars here in Scotland.

"There are patriots on both sides of this debate and we should respect each other for that."

But SNP MP Angus Robertson said: "This debate is much bigger than party politics, and has nothing to do with whether you vote for Labour or the SNP or anyone else," he said.

"Scots from all walks of life have been using their ideas and energy to imagine a better future.

"If we vote to become independent, we immediately become the 8th wealthiest nation on the planet."