Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds warn they'll relocate if Scotland votes for independence

Two major banks, including the Royal Bank of Scotland warned on Thursday that if Scotland votes for independence next week that they could relocate head offices south.

The RBS released a statement noting that a southern move would likely be required to mitigate risks, but noted that overall banking services for the entire British Isles would remain the same.

Still, the bank noted that if they were to re-domicile, RBS would still leave some operations in Scotland, even if a 'Yes' response should come back over the referendum.

Lloyds, which is currently based in Edinburgh, followed suit and said they would re-locate head offices to London should Scotland vote for independence from the United Kingdom, The Associated Press reports.

Though the move wouldn't likely mean much, if any, job loss in Scotland, it has given some pause and increased worry that businesses could leave if the northern country votes to split off from the UK.

Some retailers have also come forward to say that Scotland could be in for higher prices at the markets if they vote 'yes.' John Lewis Partnership chairman Charlie Mayfield said, "It does cost more money to trade in parts of Scotland and therefore those hard costs, in the event of a Yes vote, are more likely to be passed on."

Scotland legislator, Alex Salmond, said that RBS and Lloyds were merely "scare-mongering."

Polls have shown that the referendum will likely be close, with no side holding a clear advantage ahead of the Sept. 18 poll date.

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