Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has described Nicola Sturgeon’s decision to prioritise an Independence Referendum in 2023 as an “act of political self-indulgence”.

Mr Cameron, the Scottish Conservative spokesman for the constitution, said: “People across the Highlands and Islands will be wondering if the First Minister truly understands the challenges facing our  communities.

“They want a Scottish Government which is focused on economic recovery, cutting hospital waiting times, and fixing our lifeline ferry service and roads.

“Practically no-one outside the ranks of the SNP’s most extreme followers believes a divisive referendum campaign should be a priority.

“Our country needs to be brought together not driven apart by an ill-considered act of political self-indulgence.”