apprentices who created the sign used to announce the referendum date got a return visit from Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney - and were told independence would create more jobs for young people.

The Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary met workers at a steel firm in Renfrew, where the September 18, 2014, sign was unveiled in March last year.

Mr Swinney said a Yes vote would mean the country would use its new tax powers and research funds would be diverted into incentives for firms to invest and take on staff.

He said the increased tax take would benefit the country and the retention of young workers would bring further benefits.

Mr Swinney said: "In life sciences, tourism, food and drink and manufacturing we have the skills, the talents, the resources and the people. There is no doubt Scotland has what it takes to be a successful independent country.

"With a Yes vote we can grow our economy and grow our revenues.

"By having the power to make decisions about our own future we can choose to invest our wealth and our resources in manufacturing, in renewables, and innovation.

"We can ensure access to high quality education and training is available to all. And where our recovery has been slowed by Tory spending cuts, we can elect governments who will pursue economic policies that are right for Scotland.

"Thursday's referendum is a golden opportunity for Scotland to vote Yes and to build an even stronger economy for future generations."

Ms Sturgeon said job creation would have the benefit of increased avail­ability of resources to spend on public priorities such as health.

She said Scotland's wealth could be used to invest in skills and use the taxes to fund public services.

She said: "If we get control of total tax powers we get to spend it on what we see fit.

"A Yes vote is a chance to elect a Government that will be focused on a job creation policy solely for Scotland and a Government that will use the wealth of our economy to support public services like the NHS and invest in our future.

"At present we have a Tory Government we didn't vote for determined to cut spending and investment in Scotland.

"Only a Yes vote will ensure we have full powers over job creation - enabling us to create more and better jobs across the country.

"So instead of almost 40,000 young people leaving Scotland each year, as is currently the case, there will be more opportunities for our young people here at home."

She said she expected an independent Scotland to increase spending on health.

Ms Sturgeon also met carers in Renfrew and told them she wanted to bring carers allowances up to the same level as JobSeeker's Allowance.

She said: "Day in and day out, unpaid and young carers work hard to support their loved ones, playing a crucial role in our society and saving the Scottish economy more than £10billion each year.

"With a Yes vote, we will finally have the powers to ensure carers get the support they need.

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk