Scottish Independence: Firms Say 'Yes' Vote Would Benefit Economy

More than 200 business figures have signed an open letter backing Scottish independence.

Stagecoach chairman Sir Brian Souter and Clyde Blowers boss Jim McColl are among signatories who say independence is in Scotland's economic interest.

It comes a day after a similar letter from 130 pro-UK business leaders said the case for independence had not been made.

The pro-independence letter has been published in The Herald newspaper.

Other signatories include Ralph Topping, retired chief executive of William Hill, Professor Nathu Puri, founder of Purico, former Scottish Enterprise chairman Sir Donald Mackay and former RBS chairman Sir George Mathewson.

The letter states: “An independent Scotland will recognise entrepreneurs small and large as the real wealth and job creators of the nation's economic future.

“It will encourage a culture in which innovation, endeavour and enterprise are nurtured. It will place power in the hands of Scotland's people to channel the huge resources of our country in the interests of those who live and work here.”

The letter goes on to argue that the real threat to Scotland is the “real possibility of a British exit from the European common market”.

The letter was a response to a letter which appeared in the Scotsman newspaper on Wednesday, signed by more than 130 business figures who argued the case for independence had not been made.

The pro-Union signatories, who included the head of engineering firm Weir Group, warned of “substantial risks” if there is a “Yes” vote in the referendum.

Scotland will go to the polls in the referendum on 18 September, with voters being asked the “Yes/No” question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?”

BBC