TWO senior figures in defence and foreign affairs have declared their support for Scottish independence, the Sunday Herald can reveal.

Former British ambassador Donald MacLaren and retired Lieutenant Commander Colin May, a senior Faslane Naval intelligence officer, both say the Union has had a negative impact on Scotland and are supporting the Yes campaign.

May was unable to voice his political views while in post as he was bound by Queen's regulations.

But after he retired on Friday, the 44-year-old criticised the UK Government and the MoD's decision to get rid of the Nimrod patrol fleet based in Moray, which monitored approaching vessels.

He added: "Unfortunately, the UK has not taken the northern dimension seriously in recent years.

"We are without any serious ocean-going conventional vessels based in Scotland and the MoD scrapped the entire maritime patrol aircraft fleet."

May also backed the Scottish Government's defence strategy and did not see any problem with Scotland's ability to have its own forces, saying a more stable military in Scotland would benefit rural communities dependent on defence.

He said: "I am proud to have served with the Royal Navy for 29 years and am convinced that independence offers the best future for Scottish maritime defence and security.

"As a northern European nation Scotland must fulfil its domestic and regional responsibilities and it is in the interests of Nato allies to welcome Scotland as a conventional partner.

"My years of Royal Navy service have taught me Faslane would be an excellent conventional naval base and home for Scottish Joint Forces HQ.

"The defence plans by the Scottish Government would deliver the necessary capability for Scotland and the ability to contribute to Nato operations. Scotland is in an excellent position to properly equip and maintain defence forces … I know many Royal Navy colleagues who would be delighted to serve in Scottish Defence Forces.

"More settled military service in Scotland will also be of huge benefit to defence dependent communities like those around Faslane and Coulport."

Former foreign policy adviser MacLaren, who was ambassador to Georgia, worked in the Foreign office for 30 years from 1978 to 2009.

He now advises businesses on foreign policy, particularly on eastern Europe and Russia.

His support comes just weeks after the last UK ambassador to Nato, Dame Mariot Leslie, said she would be voting Yes on September 18, and claimed Scotland would be welcome in Nato even without Trident.

The former head of the UK defence industry association, Ian Godden also declared his support for independence last week, saying it would invigorate the rest of the UK.

"Today's reality is that, with the Union, we continue to float downwards," said MacLaren. "History moves on. Scotland, at least, is willing and able to make it."

He condemned the UK's lack of leadership for losing "instinct and determination to make policy and to influence" and said an independent Scotland could offer a more creative solution.

"When asked for clarity on so many issues, the ministerial mantra is: 'We are consulting closely with our partners,'" he explained.

"Clinging desperately to our seat at the 'top table' has become a mask for indecisiveness and lack of leadership.

"But could an independent Scotland really have a serious foreign policy and adequate representation abroad?

"I tell you, there are plenty of Scots and non-Scots in the Foreign Office and in every other branch of government who are ready to swap shaughly Union decision-making for the creativeness and vigour of real responsibility within a Scotland making its new way in the world."

MacLaren also accused the Labour, Liberal and Conservative parties of wanting to "obstruct Scotland having a common currency so as to shore up their own predictions of Scottish failure".

He added: "The Scots have overcome greater hurdles in their history than what three lacklustre, naysaying political leaders can throw up against them. Many at Westminster will be surprised at our ability to rule our own affairs better than they have.

"For the rest of the world, respectful and admiring of Scotland's resourcefulness and resilience, it will be no surprise. They will see us succeed."