Some believe that Scotland should be an independent sovereign state.

Others that Scotland should be an integral part of the United Kingdom.

Both arguments have some merit.

The position which lacks satisfaction is the current halfway house whether Scottish politicians pretend that they are an independent nation state (even describing themselves as a Government) while at the same time complaining about Westminster interference.

We even currently have the prospective elevation of a new First Minister and a sorry bunch they are.

The UK Independence Party believes firmly in the abolition of the Scottish Parliament and a return to the pre 1999 position where Scotland retains its own identity within a strong United Kingdom but without the sixth form debating assembly which is costly and pointless. 

We are the only mainstream party to hold this position.

Let us have a proper analysis of independence.

The Unionists should point out that there is no going back. No more subsidies. No more DWP payments. No defence structure. Stand on your own two feet and stop moaning.

The idea of Mr Yousaf leading our proud nation into an uncertain future is one that prompts even the most optimistic to be filled with foreboding.

Such a debate will never emerge from the sycophantic Scottish media.

Unionists ought not to be afraid of such a debate. 

Perhaps the time has arrived to have it.

Donald MacKay

UK Independence Party - Spokesman for Scotland