Independence warning

On the last day of campaigning in the Scottish independence referendum, local MSP Tavish Scott is urging islanders to vote No.

The LibDem politician said a Scottish Parliament that recognises Shetland’s needs and retains the strength of the UK could only be achieved by rejecting independence.

He said: “This is the biggest decision any of us will make. Independence is forever. There is no way back if Scotland votes Yes on Thursday.

“Instead of the risks and uncertainties of independence, I urge people to vote for a new Scottish Parliament that will have new tax and welfare powers; No thanks to independence means keeping the benefits of the UK.

He added that he was concerned that seven years of nationalist government have removed many powers from Shetland as the SNP have centralised public services such as police, fire and European funding in the central belt.

“Part of the nationalist campaign describes Shetland as an ‘enclave’ and says we have no more right to decide what we want than Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow.

“That shows what would happen if Scotland votes Yes. We would be told to shut up and do as we are told by a nationalist government,” Scott said.