The decision not to allow a second question offering some form of extended devolution was criticised in some quarters last night.
Martin Sime, chief executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: “A second question on more powers would win hands down and that’s why it won’t be asked.”
Electoral Reform Society Scottish director Willie Sullivan said: “We now have a deal that suits the interests of a few dozen people in Edinburgh and Westminster and excludes a large section of the Scottish people who want more powers within the UK.”
But legal experts said the formulation would ensure the question of Scotland’s future could be decided by voters, not the courts, by removing the possibility of a legal challenge.
Law Society president Austin Lafferty said: “This agreement helps to ensure that the referendum will be clear, fair, legal and decisive.”