ALEX Salmond has held secret talks with the Spanish Government to clear the way for an independent Scotland to join the European Union.

At Spain's request, the First Minister met the country's foreign minister, Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo, during a "business" trip to the country last week.

It is understood Garcia-Margallo gave a commitment that the newly-elected government of Mariano Rajoy would not veto Scotland joining the EU if there is a Yes vote in the 2014 independence referendum.

There has been speculation for months that the EU powerhouse might try to block Scottish membership in case it fuelled separatist movements in Catalonia and the Basque country, leading to the break-up of Spain.