SENIOR Danish politicians and academics have claimed that the entry of an independent Scotland into the EU and Nato would be swift and straightforward.

One described the process of EU membership as "a mere formality" while another said of Nato membership: "I can't think of anyone who wouldn't think it was a good idea."

Michael Gray of the pro-independence National Collective conducted the interviews which stand in stark contrast to the UK Government and Better Together campaign, which claim Scotland faces being locked out of such alliances.

Rasmus Helveg Petersen MP, spokesman on foreign affairs for the Social Liberals, who are part of the Danish government, said: "The criteria is very objective. Scotland would qualify. If Scotland wants it, yes. It would be a mere formality."

He stressed: "The Copenhagen Declaration from 1993, has been the guideline for expanding membership of the EU. The criteria says that countries that want to be members and qualify can become members."

Asked whether Scotland would qualify under that criteria he said: "Yes. The criteria is very objective. Scotland would qualify."

Jakob Ellemann-Jensen MP, spokesman on European Affairs for Venstre, Denmark's largest parliamentary party, said: "Should Scotland vote for independence it would only be natural for Denmark to acknowledge this and to welcome Scotland in the EU and Nato."

Professor Lars Bo Kaspersen, head of political science at the University of Copenhagen, said: "Scottish EU membership would be in the Danish interest.

"I'm sure the European Union in general would strongly support Scottish membership and the same goes for Nato. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't think it was a good idea."