The Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond insists his country will keep the pound sterling without the backing of the Bank of England if he wins the independence vote there next month.

That is despite the UK government saying it would block Scotland from using sterling if they break away.

Westminster has branded a so-called 'sterling zone' as a non-starter.

But Mr Salmond says he has public opinion on his side.

He says he is not concerned by Westminster's threats because the UK would not want to take on Scottish debt.

It comes as both sides are stepping up their campaigns, as more than 200 names of entertainment world stars and public figures joined the 'Let's Stay Together' campaign.

British actress Judi Dench and singer Mick Jagger are among the celebrities who have urged the people of Scotland to 'vote no'.

The celebrities have signed an open letter to the people of Scotland which says "The decision on whether to leave our shared country is, of course, absolutely yours alone".

"Nevertheless, that decision will have a huge effect on all of us in the rest of the United Kingdom".

"We want to let you know how very much we value our bonds of citizenship with you, and to express our hope that you will vote to renew them. What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let's stay together".

There are 215 signatories in total, including Alan Sugar, who said "It's for Scotland to decide how to vote but it has consequences for all of us. That's why so many of us have come together to say: let's stay together. We've achieved so much together and I know we can achieve so much more," it adds.