Now or later it will be a gamble. Given that the media is hostile to the cause of independence and will give their support of the unionist cause - it will be a battle we are not yet equipped to win.

Can we trust the opinion polls? I don't think so. Who can say how much they are manipulated and fabricated? So how much support is there for independence? I imagine from the antics of the unionist parties more than we are led to believe. At the same time I would imagine that the SNP have commissioned their own private polls and so know more than the rest of us.

As things stand however, we will not be in control of the process and that is worrying. I honestly believe that the UK power elite will do its best to falsify results if they fear losing. E-voting will make it easy for them.

Before mounting a referendum we must win over the media, wrest control of the process from Westminster, ensure counting is done manually, involve international observers, and have exit polls at every polling station.

We're just not ready. We are lambs in the wolves den and to get out we had better grow some sharp claws and long fangs.

Slainte