Tory leader David Cameron conceded today that Scotland could "stand alone" - but pledged to fight for the survival of the Union.

Tory leader David Cameron conceded today that Scotland could "stand alone" - but pledged to fight for the survival of the Union.

He vowed to challenge any argument for independence during a by-election campaign visit to Glenrothes in Fife.

Mr Cameron accepted the Conservatives had little chance of winning the Westminster seat in a hotly-contested race between Labour and the SNP but pinned hopes on securing Unionist votes.

He said: "Of course it is possible that Scotland can stand alone - that is true.

"I just think it would be better off in the United Kingdom. Better off for all of us.

"I don't think we'd ever succeed in saving the Union by frightening Scots to say you couldn't possibly make it on your own.

"That's not the way I approach it. The Union to me is about generosity - we're stronger together because we share so much together.

"I think we'll win it. We'll win the case for the Union through taking a generous attitude rather than a small-minded one."

He also vowed to work with the First Minister of Scotland if the Tories win power at Westminster.

Mr Cameron said: "The very first thing I'd do would be to get straight to whoever the First Minister of Scotland is and say 'I want to keep the Union together'.

"I will work with anyone in the Scottish Parliament and administration who wants to further the benefits and conditions for the people of Scotland."

Mr Cameron visited the Fife town with Tory candidate Maurice Golden and Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie.

The Glenrothes seat was made vacant by the death of John MacDougall, a Labour MP who won a majority of more than 10,600 at the last election.

Acknowledging the odds against any Tory success, Mr Cameron said: "As much as I'd like to sweep the board in Scotland at the next election, I know it's always challenging.

"But I will do everything possible to keep the Union together and to make sure that a Conservative government in Westminster, if elected, would act at all times in the interest of the Union and the interest of the Union in Scotland."

The Tory leader used his visit to meet local business representatives.

Mr Cameron said there was a range of concerns, including over-regulation and taxation, as well as "anxiety" as the economy slows down in Britain.

He said: "We've got to keep burdens down on business, we've got to recognise that small and medium enterprises are the lifeblood of the economy."

Tory plans include delaying VAT bills by six months and cutting national insurance for companies with fewer than five employees.

Asked if his wife would campaign in the town, as Gordon Brown's wife did yesterday, Mr Cameron said: "Don't hold your breath."

The 28-year-old Tory candidate, an environmental campaign manager from Newport in north east Fife, said his fiancee helped out at the weekend.