Former Chancellor Alistair Darling has launched a campaign to ensure Scotland remains part of the United Kingdom.

The Better Together movement has been formed to give a voice to the "quiet majority" in the two years before the planned referendum on Scottish independence in 2014.

At the launch in Edinburgh, Mr Darling said: "The decision we make is the most important we will make in our lifetime."

The Labour politician said Scotland could have the best of both worlds with a strong Scottish Parliament and a key role in the United Kingdom.

He urged those who believe Scotland should stay part of the UK to work together and argue for "the better, stronger choice", adding: "We share a common platform on this single issue because, along with so many of our fellow Scots, we believe that a better future for ourselves and our children is as a partner in the United Kingdom."