A GROUP of pro-independence campaigners who have set up camp outside the Scottish Parliament have held a live internet broadcast from their makeshift home.

The handful of campaigners, who have vowed to remain until Scotland breaks away from the UK, spoke to a pro-independence broadcast channel as rain battered the settlement, which yesterday morning consisted of five tents and a caravan.

The group revealed yesterday that they are planning to emblazon the Declaration of Arbroath onto the donated caravan in the coming days, with plans afoot to introduce an arts and crafts tent. Last night, it was lit up with Christmas lights.

The decision of MPs to back UK airstrikes in Syria despite opposition from all but two of Scotland's 59 Westminster representatives had strengthened the group's resolve.

On the broadcast, one camper said took the opportunity to challenge the SNP to dissolve Westminster. He said: "I'd like to ask the SNP this. All these seats you've got in Westminster, you can dissolve that parliament tomorrow. So if you're interested in Scottish independence, why are you not dissolving the parliament and letting Scotland be free?"

The SNP currently holds 54 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons, and has no representation in the House of Lords.

Another member of the group challenged the assertion, calling it "unfair and undemocratic". She added: "They can't just do that and dismiss all the people who have voted no."

The Scottish Parliament has said it is seeking legal advice with a view to removing the protestors. However, they have claimed they are within their rights to remain and will be staying put.

One member of the group claimed that the Declaration of Arbroath - the 1320 letter which was sent to Pope John XXII affirming Scottish independence - superceded the 1707 Act of Union.

He said: "It's ours, it's always been ours. Scotland is independent. The Decoration of Arbroath's for all time, eternity. It's can't be overturned, it can't be changed, it even supercedes the Act of the Union. In Scotland, sovereignty lies with me and you. We're Kings and Queens of this land."