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.