THREE Scottish party leaders are uniting to launch the Better Together Glasgow Group to campaign against independence.

City MSPs Johann Lamont, of Labour, and Conservative Ruth Davidson will join LibDem leader Willie Rennie to promote the case for retaining the UK.

Former UK Chancellor Alistair Darling, head of the Better Together campaign, will speak at the launch and state Glasgow benefits from being part of the UK.

Although all three Scottish opposition leaders are campaigning for a No vote in the referendum on September 18 next year when voters will be asked: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

Mr Darling, Labour MP for Edinburgh South West, will urge supporters to join the campaign. He said: "The history of Glasgow is of people working together with family, friends and neighbours. It is Scotland's largest city and a key driver of the Scottish and UK economies, with a world- leading reputation for innovation, success and talent.

"Glasgow has achieved so much as part of the UK. It has the best of both worlds - a distinct and vibrant city able to take important decisions for the good of the people of Glasgow, but benefiting from the security and opportunity being part of the UK brings. Where is the sense in putting this at risk?"

The former Chancellor said people want answers on what independence will mean for their day-to-day lives.

He said: "This is the biggest political decision the people of Glasgow, and Scotland as a whole, will ever take. We have a choice between two futures: continuing the success of devolution as part of the UK, or going it alone by separating ourselves off from the UK.

"Alex Salmond only needs to win by one vote. We need everybody in Glasgow who supports Scotland staying in the UK to play their part - whether it's knocking on doors, delivering leaflets, donating to the campaign or simply speaking to family and friends.

"People in Glasgow know we are stronger and better together as part of the UK."

Yes Scotland Glasgow Group has already launched and has been campaigning in the city to persuade people to back independence.

The Evening Times reported how Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launched the group in January this year, alongside the Scottish Greens and Scottish Socialists.

stewart.paterson@eveningtimes.co.uk