Scotland sucessionist leader Alex Salmond has a lot of friends these days.<br/> <br />Just under a week away from a referendum vote on independence, leaders of Scotlands separatist and unionist parties are running neck and neck.<br/> <br />Salmond has made strong gains since August winning favour from the traditionally unionist Labour party as well as from female voters.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) SCOTLAND'S FIRST MINISTER ALEX SALMOND, SAYING:<br/> <br />I think, indicate perfectly conclusively that the people of Scotland are not going to be bullied by big oil, by big supermarkets, by big London government.<br/> <br />But for unionists, an independent Scotland would mean serious financial and economic troubles.<br/> <br />Former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown is campaigning for Labour Party leader Ed Miliband<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, GORDON BROWN, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Higher food bills, higher shopping bills, lost jobs, destroyed opportunities, lost investment -- an economic m
