Scottish independence: Hundreds protest over 'BBC bias'

Hundreds of people gathered to protest against "BBC bias" outside the corporation's Pacific Quay headquarters

Hundreds of people gathered at BBC Scotland's headquarters in Glasgow to protest over the corporation's coverage of the referendum.

The protestors claimed an "unhealthy bias" existed in favour of the pro-Union Better Together campaign.

Organiser Moira Williams said there was "increasing discontent" about the way the independence campaign was being represented by the BBC.

However, the BBC said its referendum coverage was "fair and accurate".

Police said there was a maximum of 350 protesters, who carried flags and banners outside Pacific Quay, the BBC's Glasgow base. Organisers said the figure was far higher.

Speaking to the BBC, Ms Williams said: "We organised this event because we are witnessing increasing discontent over BBC referendum coverage and we felt we needed to stand against this unhealthy bias.

"Whether Scotland votes 'Yes' or 'No', let it be based on facts provided in a fair and accurate way, not because people have been misguided."

She added: "The BBC should be doing what it says in its job description - being unbiased and impartial."

A spokeswoman for BBC Scotland said: "Our coverage of the referendum story is fair and impartial in line with the editorial guidelines."

The Scottish independence referendum takes place on 18 September 2014.

Voters will answer the Yes/No question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"