ALEX Salmond took to Facebook last night for a question and answer session with users on the social media site.

The First Minister was queried on the impact of independence on everything from peers and welfare to interest rates and the Eurovision Song Contest during the 30-minute Q&A.

Billy Rennie, a full-time carer who receives £30 per fortnight on top of his benefits, was assured that "benefits will always rise with inflation" under an independent Scottish Government. Mr Salmond also told voters on the site that an independent Scotland would "no longer have to pay for the unelected peers in the House of Lords" and assured undecided voter, Iona Walker, that interest rates were unlikely "to soar", citing examples of small countries such as Denmark "where interest rates are often lower".

Mr Salmond was also "happy to confirm" that Scotland would be represented at the Eurovision Song Contest.