Scottish independence: Jim McColl receives a warm welcome from Salmond

The First Minister hailed the statement by the Clyde Blowers boss as a “hugely significant” intervention.

In an article in The Scotsman yesterday, Mr McColl argued for independence saying efforts to get the country out of recession were constrained by a lack of economic levers and the UK government failing to get to grips with the crisis.

Previously a supporter of devo-max, Mr McColl also indicated that he believed the option of more powers short of independence would not be included on the referendum ballot paper.

Given Mr McColl is a member of Mr Salmond’s Council of Economic Advisers, his analysis was seen as a strong sign that the Scottish Government will fall into line with the UK Government and back a single question.

During a visit by Mr McColl to Bute House to take part in a meeting of the Council of Economic Advisers yesterday, Mr Salmond said: “This is a hugely significant intervention in the debate on Scotland’s future and I welcome his comments, which will only help to persuade more people of the need for an independent Scotland with the economic tools we need to create jobs and prosp