REMAINING in the UK is the positive choice for Scotland, Michael Moore has insisted, rejecting the SNP argument that "to be more we must be less".

The Scottish Secretary in his keynote speech said there was a clear choice before Scots in September 2014 - whether to "go forward together" within the United Kingdom or "divert into the unknown" with independence.

He claimed Alex Salmond and the Nationalists were "in a bind" and would now say anything to achieve their goal of separation, accusing them of seeking votes "by stealth instead of candour" but insisting Scots would not be fooled.

Having recognised that most Scottish voters wanted to have the "best of both worlds" - a strong devolved Scottish Parliament with a strong voice at Westminster - the SNP was now arguing that under independence nothing much would change, said Mr Moore,

"So in the rush to get rid of the risks, they have changed their story on the key issues: on joining Nato; on membership of the EU and on the currency that an independent Scotland would use."

He pointed out how five years ago the SNP described the pound as a millstone around Scotland's neck but now was keen to keep it.

"Their plan to keep the pound devalues by the day. Yesterday, another independent report showed an independent Scotland using the pound would risk tax rises and higher borrowing costs. Like Harold Wilson, the SNP wants you to believe that the pound in your pocket would not be devalued but the stark truth is that it would cost you more."