Paul McCartney urges Scots to vote No to independence

Sir Paul McCartney is urging voters in Scotland to reject independence and remain part of the United Kingdom.

The former Beatle added his name to an open letter ahead of the Scottish independence referendum on 18 September. Other signatories include Sir Mick Jagger, Simon Cowell, Sir Bobby Charlton, Prof Stephen Hawking, Sir Bruce Forsyth and Dame Judi Dench.

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.

In June 1966 McCartney bought High Park Farm in Campbeltown, Kintyre. He bought the three-bedroom farmhouse and surrounding 183 acres of land for £35,000. The location later inspired Wings’ best-selling 1977 single Mull of Kintyre.

McCartney’s backing of the union inspired Beatles-related puns from both sides of the independence debate.

It’s fantastic that Sir Paul loves Scotland, and we’re sure he will continue to do so after Scots say ‘yeah, yeah, yeah’.

The case for Yes is a democratic one – as far as Scotland is concerned the Westminster system belongs to yesterday, and independence will be good for the Mull of Kintyre and all of Scotland. Yes is definitely the best ticket to ride.

It is hardly surprising that Sir Paul wants us to Come Together.

Maybe rather than trying to take us all on a Magical Mystery Tour Alex Salmond should just Let it Be.