Defence Secretary John Hutton yesterday pledged his commitment to keeping nuclear weapons in Scotland.
He was speaking as he joined service personnel on board a nuclear submarine during a visit to the Faslane naval base on the Clyde.
Mr Hutton said Faslane was a "vital part of our country's defence" as home to Britain's nuclear deterrent.
He warned that any decision taken by the SNP to scrap Trident and its replacement if they gained independence would be an "incredible folly" and an example of "national vandalism".
Mr Hutton, who became Defence Secretary in the recent cabinet reshuffle, said: "The nuclear deterrent is crucial to the defence of our country. It has been for many generations and will be for many more.
"Terrorism is still a major threat to us, and the nuclear deterrent plays a major part in dealing with that threat, as do the brilliant people here at Faslane and I am very proud of the service they provide.
"The nuclear deterrent is huge for Scotland, the UK and for our allies. When we returned to government we said we would retain the nuclear deterrent and we are committed to safeguarding future generations."
Mr Hutton said that although the SNP-led Holyrood government was opposed to keeping nuclear weapons in Scotland, the fact that defence is not a devolved matter means he would not be concerned unless the Nationalists won their battle for independence.
The minister added: "I think we should base our policy on evidence, and our evidence in relation to the nuclear deterrent is pretty obvious.
"It has helped secure the security of the United Kingdom from a very dangerous nuclear threat for a very long time.
"With defence policy you have to think 20, 30 or 40 years ahead, not two or three or four years ahead.
"The message today is that we are stronger when we work together and I do not think we should play politics with that."
As well as touring one of the nuclear submarines based at Faslane, Mr Hutton was also shown the compex's new accommodation block, which is one of the most expensive in Europe.
As he disembarked from his boat to climb aboard the submarine he was greeted by service personnel and music from the Navy pipes.
