Scottish comedian Rory Bremner has criticised the "sinister and unpleasant" intimidation of pro-Union supporters in the referendum campaign.

The impressionist said those who choose not to back separation in September's referendum should not be made to feel less patriotic.

He said he could see the attraction of Scottish independence, but preferred to keep an open mind about its merits.

Bremner told Total Politics magazine he dislikes the "threats and bluster" of parts of the debate.

He said: "It's almost deliberate, this intimidation, and I find that very sinister and unpleasant. Just because people think the interests of Scotland are better served in a union doesn't make them less patriotic.

"I love the 6 Nations rugby. I feel very Scottish then. I feel very Scottish now, sitting in the middle of Chelsea. But that's part of our heritage - being part of Britain, part of Europe. I love being European.

"Actually I can see the appeal of independence, that Nordic social democratic thing."

He added: "I can see that, and I get it, but I also see China and I see India, and I think are we really going to engage with, trade and compete with the same countries by becoming smaller?"

Bremner has called for more humour to be injected into the independence debate, saying it is too important to be left in the hands of politicians.