Scottish independence: Unionists puzzled by SNP’s identity crisis

The SNP’s claims that Scots would still be British following independence came under fire from pro-union parties yesterday.

It followed claims by infrastructure secretary Alex Neil on the BBC1’s political panel show Question Time.

Mr Neil argued that Scotland would still remain part of the British Isles, leaving Scots with this aspect of their identity.

But the Scottish Conservative constitution spokesman, David McLetchie, responded: “It is puzzling that people who profess they want independence are now trying to tell us we would still be British if Scotland breaks away from the United Kingdom.

“If separation means nothing else, surely it is to proclaim that you are exclusively Scottish.”