Scottish group supporting unity with U.K. gets donation from Rowling

EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 11 (UPI) -- A group supporting Scotland's retention of its position in the United Kingdom, facing a September referendum, received a $1.67 million donation from author J.K. Rowling Wednesday.

The organization, Better Together, opposes Scottish independence. Residents will participate in a referendum Sept. 18 to decide if Scotland will remain in the United Kingdom -- as it has since 1707 -- or regard itself as an independent nation. Although the pro-unity faction has a lead in polls, 28 percent of eligible participants consider themselves undecided.

Better Together confirmed Rowling's donation Wednesday.

Rowling, a Scottish resident and author of the Harry Potter series of books, explained in a statement, "My hesitance at embracing independence has nothing to do with lack of belief in Scotland's remarkable people or its achievements. The simple truth is that Scotland is subject to the same 21st century pressures as the rest of the world. It must compete in the same global markets, defend itself from the same threats, and navigate what still feels like a fragile economic recovery."

As the referendum approaches, media and entertainment stars with connections to Scotland have offered opinions on the issue of independence. Rowling joins singer Rod Stewart and Ewan McGregor in favoring unity with the United Kingdom, while actor Sean Connery and author Irvine Welsh support independence.