Keynote Speech By Scottish Secretary Of State

Alistair Carmichael will set out his case for Scotland remaining part of the UK during a speech.

The Scottish Secretary will address unionists later to make a more 'positive' case for Scots to stay in the UK.

Alistair Carmichael will set out what he describes as 'a long list of positive reasons' why Scotland is benefits from being part of the union in a speech in Edinburgh.

The Lib Dem MP will argue that the UK economy is on course to be the strongest in Europe by 2030, with record low interest rates, inflation and a strong, stable and internationally respected currency market.

He'll add that Scottish economic performance is second only to London and the South East of England, with higher employment and fewer jobseekers, as part of a single UK jobs market.

But the SNP say they're delighted that Mr Carmichael recognises Scotland's economic performance is second only to London.

They say that shows even he accepts that Scotland can more than afford to be a successful independent country.