Homage from Catalonia: diplomat urges Scots to call for independence

CATALAN'S former de facto ambassador in London has called for his nation and Scotland to work together in a new alliance to push for independence in both countries.

Xavier Solano i Bello, who stepped down from the role last month to write a book on politics, believes that both his country and Scotland are being held back and independence is within their grasp.

In an interview with The Scotsman, he describes First Minister Alex Salmond as "inspirational" and one of Europe's "most influential politicians".

Although a relatively recent convert to the idea of full independence for Catalonia, he believes that the historic victory last month for the SNP in Holyrood coupled with a victory for pro-independence parties recently in the Catalan parliament means that the map of Europe can now be redrawn.

"I really think that both Catalonia and Scotland can not be held back any more; they can no longer afford to depend on others," he said.

"That is why more and more people can see independence as the best way forward. I want the best education for my children, I want the best health and I want the best services.

"I am convinced that both Scotland and Catalonia can become independent."

He argues that the future of the two nations is as independent entities within the European Union as members of the Euro.

And he claims that the interests of both Scotland and Catalonia are not served well by being part of larger states which have other priorities.

"In my old job I was trying to put forward proposals to international firms to come to Catalonia; it was very difficult for me to offer the same terms as an independent state.

"Basically, because we were not able to offer income tax or corporation tax reductions in the same way an independent state can do."

He added: "Madrid is promoting the interests of all of Spain with very different needs in different parts of the country."

Before becoming head of the Catalan Delegation - effectively the region's embassy - in London for three years, Mr Solano i Bello worked in Holyrood for six years, first for former Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander and later for Nicola Sturgeon after she became deputy leader.

He envisages nations within larger states such as Scotland and Catalonia working together to win independence together as well as co-operating on economic interests.

"Scotland and Catalonia are not an old alliance, but they are a strong alliance," he said. "The reason the alliance is strong is that we share the same interests and we work together for the same goal.Catalan and Scottish government have very strong links, but it is important for Scotland and Catalonia to work together especially in the EU.

"We both face similar challenges politically and economically.

"There is a strong similarity between Scotland and Catalonia. Both of us are nations and we are two of the oldest nations in Europe.

"To decide to separate ourselves is a decision to become a better country."

Read the full interview in today's paper