Legislation to hold the Scottish independence referendum has been passed in a landmark vote at Holyrood.
MSPs unanimously approved the Bill, which sets out the rules and the confirms the question which will be put to voters in Scotland on September 18 next year.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We can be proud today that we’re passing legislation that will put Scotland’s future into Scotland’s hand.
“I hope the people of Scotland will seize that opportunity, seize that future, seize that prospect of a better Scotland with a resounding Yes vote in September next year.”
Despite fundamental divisions between parties on whether Scotland should leave the 306-year-old political union with the rest of the UK, MSPs called for a respectful debate over the coming months.
Labour MSP Malcolm Chisholm, in a speech applauded by the SNP, said politicians must not “go to war”.
He said: “The two sides on this question are not enemies. We all inhabit the same country, we all share many of the same values.”
Labour and the SNP share many thoughts on domestic policy, he told Parliament.
“There are many families where one member may be voting Yes and another voting No,” he said. “I think it’s very important that we conduct this debate without losing the friendships and the positive relationships we have in this country and in this chamber.
“It will be important, not least for what happens after the referendum, because whatever the result we will want to come together on September 19 and whatever the people have decided we will want to act upon.
“I think we should remember that. We mustn’t create a legacy of bitterness and hatred. What we need to have is a civilised debate rather than warfare between two tribes.”
The party’s constitution spokesman, Drew Smith, said focus can now shift to the Scottish Government’s formal plan, known as a White Paper, for independence.
“Up until now the debate has concentrated on many process issues – when will the referendum be held, who will vote, even who will debate who on television,” he said.
“Perhaps, with the exception of the latter, we are now past this and we now look forward to the White Paper, because there is a need for answers on the issues of substance.”
Conservative MSP Annabel Goldie, who was a member of the Referendum Bill Committee, praised the joint working of political parties and parliamentary staff in bringing the Bill through Holyrood.
“I think the Bill does deliver an important mechanism for September 18 2014 and like Drew Smith, I confidently expect Scotland to reject overwhelmingly separation from the rest of the UK,” she predicted.
The Bill will allow 16 and 17-year-olds across Scotland to vote for the first time.
It also sets out the spending limits for political parties and other campaign or organisations in the run-up to the ballot.
Voters will be asked: “Should Scotland be an independent country?”