Pro-independence Scottish business leaders hit back in open letter

In a letter to the Herald newspaper, figures including Ralph Topping, the retired chief executive of William Hill, former RBS chairman Sir George Mathewson, Stagecoach chairman Sir Brian Souter and Clyde Blowers boss Jim McColl insisted independence would benefit Scottish businesses.

They were responding to arguments by BHP Billiton chief executive Andrew Mackenzie, HSBC chairman Douglas Flint, Ian Curle of Famous Grouse producer The Edrington Group and Weir Group chief executive Keith Cochrane, among others, who warned that “much is at stake”.

They said: “Our economic ties inside the United Kingdom are very close and support almost one million Scottish jobs. The rest of the UK is Scotland’s biggest market by far. As job creators, we have looked carefully at the arguments made by both sides of the debate."

“Our conclusion is that the business case for independence has not been made.”

The pro-Union letter was seen as helping to bolster the case for a “No” vote, after the “Yes” camp claimed the referendum campaign was on a knife edge after the second televised leaders' debate. One opinion poll conducted immediately after the debate showing 49pc of Scots plan to back separation

It emerged on Wednesday that 100 more Scottish business leaders had wanted to sign the letter opposing independence but did not in fear of reprisals from SNP councils.

Postal ballots have been sent out and Scotland will go to the polls on 18 September.

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