THE Yes.scot website launched less than a fortnight ago to campaign for independence is set to break its target of 200,000 signatures today.

As The National went to press, the SNP-sponsored Yes.scot website had recorded almost 198,000 signatures pledging support for the It’s Time for Independence campaign.

In a statement on the website, SNP depute leader and campaign director Keith Brown said: “Nicola Sturgeon has updated the nation on our next steps to independence.

“Within this term of the Scottish Parliament, her view is that the people of Scotland should have a choice between Brexit and a future as an independent, European nation.

“To make that possible, the Scottish Government will now put in place the legislation required to have a referendum.

“And our government is to establish a Citizens’ Assembly to deliberate the changes our country needs in a way that builds agreement.

“Our immediate objective is, of course, to win the European elections on May 23.

“After that though, we need to focus all our efforts on building an independence majority.

“This work will start with a major new campaign focused on Scotland’s economic potential as an independent country.

“Our plan is to distribute An Independent Scotland: Household Guide to every household – all 2,460,000 of them.

“To achieve that, I am asking you to join me in making a donation to this specific project. Please donate what you can.

“Even a few pounds will make a difference. No matter how large or small, your donation will go direct to this campaign.

“With your support, we can keep Scotland moving forward.”

READ MORE: 11 English Scots for Yes tell us why they back independence

Yes.scot adds: “Westminster isn’t working for Scotland. We’ve been ignored too often. It’s time for a fresh start – to choose a different and better path.

“As an independent country, Scotland’s future will be in Scotland’s hands. Together, we can make Scotland the country we all know it can be.”

Videos on the website feature Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson saying that Scotland should not be denied a referendum, and UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn saying: “I don’t think the Westminster Parliament should block a referendum once it’s been proposed by the Scottish Parliament.”

The Yes logo on the website was carried by thousands of marchers in Glasgow on Saturday as it was part of The National’s souvenir edition.