Scottish Leader to Make the Case for Autonomy - Wall Street Journal

BY CASSELL BRYAN-LOW

LONDON—The head of the Scottish government, having forced the question of independence onto the U.K.'s political agenda, now faces even tougher battles in winning support for ending his country's 300-year union with the U.K.

On Wednesday, First Minister Alex Salmond will detail to the Scottish Parliament his plans for a referendum that would likely mark the U.K.'s biggest constitutional challenge in a century. Scotland has been part of the U.K. since 1707, but in recent years has gained some powers of self-government.

Now, Mr. Salmond is spearheading a push for a separate state. He is attempting to capitalize on a ...