Scotland would find it more difficult to negotiate an "a-la-carte" membership of the European Union if it becomes independent, according to an SNP ally in Europe.
An independent Scotland would be welcomed as an independent member state in Europe but would have to build alliances to promote its policies, according to a former Slovakian foreign minister.
Four Liberal Democrat and three Conservative councillors on troubled Argyll and Bute Council have notified the local authority of their plans to quit their parties.
Thousands of Scots could miss out on pension rights if their spouse dies unless MPs vote through same-sex marriage proposals this week, campaigners have warned.