Charities seeking to engage in the Scottish referendum on independence have been issued with draft guidance by the Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator on how to participate responsibly.

Having spoken with public bodies, charity umbrella groups and other relevant parties, OSCR developed a guide on charities they may or may not do regarding political activity. The regulator has given charities until 15 May to respond with their views on the guidance which reiterates the legal position on political discussion and campaigning.

"Charities play an important part in our society and have a right to make their voices heard. Campaigning for or against different policies is a legitimate way for many charities to achieve what they were set up for, which is to further their charitable purpose," the regulator advises in its draft guidance.

However, it adds: "What we ask is that charity trustees satisfy themselves, before taking a public position, about three things. First, that doing so is not prohibited by their charity’s own rules (its constitution or governing document). Secondly, that they can justify how the campaigning will help achieve the charity’s particular aims, and ensure it does not involve the charity in matters that are beyond its remit. Finally, that they have thought fully about any possible consequences. They must be satisfied their action is in the interests of the charity and will not put the charity, or its reputation, at risk."