IT was perhaps a bit presumptuous in the first place for Yes Scotland to try to take an exhibition stand at the conference of one of the pro-Union parties later this month.

However, when they were rebuffed by the Scottish Liberal Democrats, the pro-independence campaigners were led to believe it was because all available stalls had been taken.

The party website makes clear there are "commercial opportunities" to be had in Dunfermline on October 27, stating: "The Scottish Liberal Democrats offer a wide range of opportunities for you and your organisation to engage with our members during our con-ference by advertising in our conference agenda, taking an exhibition stand, hosting a fringe event or sponsoring a reception."

But there was no such offer of a stall for Yes Scotland.

A spokeswoman for the Scottish LibDems explained: "As a party, we do not support independence."

Asked about the attempt to take a stall in Dunfermline, a spokesman for Yes Scotland said: "We did make an application for space at the LibDem conference in Dunfermline but were turned down."