SCOTLAND'S longest-serving first minister, Jack McConnell, has urged the Scottish and UK governments to put the national interest of Scotland first as they square up in the referendum debate.

Lord McConnell says they should compromise on legality, timing and rules to ensure the result is accepted by all and the decision is final.

He said: "I am asking both governments to avoid any decisions on this proposed referendum that would leave the public feeling that the rules of engagement have been designed to push them in one direction or the other. It is time to resolve this question and to do so decisively."

He added: "Both the UK Government and the Scottish Government must compromise and deliver the referendum that ordinary Scots deserve."