A call by the chairman of the Yes campaign for a referendum on the monarchy in Scotland if Scots opt for independence has been branded "foolhardy".
Jackson Carlaw, deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives, suggested the intervention by Dennis Canavan was misguided and not supported by most Scots.
The former Labour MP and MSP made his call days after the birth of Prince George. Stressing he spoke in a personal capacity, Mr Canavan said: "As to the possibility of another King George, it is important to remember that true democracy is based on the sovereignty of the people rather than the sovereignty of any monarch.
"In an independent Scotland, the people of Scotland should therefore be given an early opportunity to decide whether they want to retain the monarchy or choose an elected head of state."
An elected head of state is backed by other members of the pro-independence movement such as the Green and Scottish Socialist parties.
Mr Carlaw said the overwhelming majority of Scots supported the monarchy
"Making the future of the monarchy a central theme of the independence referendum seems to me to be foolhardy. That Dennis Canavan, as chair of Yes Scotland, should choose to do so smacks of desperation and illustrates just how unfocused and divided the parties supporting Yes Scotland are."
The First Minister has repeatedly said if Scotland becomes independent, the monarchy would be retained.
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