MSPs will not have to do any parliamentary work during the week of the EU referendum.
Scottish Liberal Democrat business manager Mike Rumbles welcomed the support of the Parliamentary business bureau for his suggestion that the Holyrood timetable should be cleared.
He argued that would ensure “a proper focus on the European debate” as the poll will have a fundamental impact on the future of Scotland.
A Scottish Parliament spokeswoman confirmed the there was cross party agreement in principle not to schedule any business in the week of the referendum but MSPs still have to formally vote on the issue.
Mr Rumbles said: “Ahead of the independence referendum the parliament was in recess for a month.
“Just like the independence vote, the poll on June 23 will shape the future of our country forever. It is right that the last few days of this referendum are devoted to the big questions over our place in Europe.
“The Presiding Officer, officials and the other business managers are clearly aware of the importance of this campaign and I thank them for their support.”
