Scottish vote that could break up United Kingdom

(Reuters) - The formal campaign for a Scottish independence vote that could break-up the United Kingdom began on Friday, although polls currently show Scots are unlikely to choose to end the 307-year-old union with England.

Scottish nationalists hope the desire for independence, historical rivalry and what they say has been centuries of mismanagement by far-off leaders in London will drive Scots to vote for secession in the Sept. 18 referendum.

Britain's main politicians have united against a breakaway, issuing pleas for unity and warnings about the economic costs of independence to the 4 million Scottish resident voters over the age of 16 who can participate.

Polls show Scots are unlikely to vote to break the union, with roughly 40 percent against independence and 30 percent in favor. But there are still enough undecided to swing the vote.

"The 'No' to independence campaign has held a lead and has done throughout most of the polling," said Tom Mludzinski, head of political polling at ComRes consultancy. "It's been narrowing recently, but it's still nowhere near enough if independence is going to win."

He added: "we're still a few months away, and if it's similar to general elections, many people do make up their minds in the last month or few weeks. So things could change."

The formal start of campaigning places limits on spending to 1.5 million pounds ($2.5 million) for each camp. But the pro-independence "Yes Scotland" or pro-Union "Better Together" side will get free airtime for campaign broadcasts.

Oil-rich Scotland accounts for about one-tenth of the United Kingdom's gross domestic product, and to lose it could weaken British diplomatic clout and raise questions over the UK's permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.Money has loomed large over the debate, with both secessionists and unionists trying to persuade voters that their prosperity is on the line.

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