Such shifts have caused some doubts about Scottish independence, too, with the party also advocating use of the British pound after independence, instead of the euro, despite statements by all the British parties that an independent Scotland could not be allowed to use the pound. Would an independent Scotland be a member of the European Union? Use the British pound? These questions, which depend on the decisions of others, cannot be easily answered.

With the polls tightening, the former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown spoke in Glasgow last week in defense of the union, arguing Scotland is better off economically inside the United Kingdom, especially in terms of pensions and social welfare.

Sowing doubt about the strength and viability of an independent Scotland’s economy is at the center of the anti-independence campaign, known as “Better Together.” But the “no” campaign against independence emphasizes the negative, and the sense that the English are patronizing the Scots as ineffectual and incompetent also feeds the independence campaign, stirring indignation.

Evidence of the debate is everywhere, with signs on shop windows along the Royal Mile displaying the preference of the owners, and stickers like “End London Rule!” plastered to sidewalks.

The referendum, open to anyone registered to vote, is binding and need pass by only one vote.

Bookstores feature volumes on Scottish culture and history, community centers are planning summer history classes and seemingly every segment of society has its own campaign for independence, many supported by the well-organized Scottish National Party, led by Alex Salmond. There are “yes” groups for pro-independence mothers, students, seniors, small businesses, lesbians, gays and bisexuals — even for taxi drivers (“Cabbies for Yes”).

Iluta Stivrina, 24, moved here four years ago from Latvia. She loves it here, but thinks many Scots do not know what they are really voting for. “I know all the problems of independence for a small country,” she said.