CONSERVATIVE Cabinet minister Ken Clarke has claimed a Yes vote in the independence referendum would "revive the medieval state of Scotland".
The Coalition's Minister without Portfolio made the comment at a dinner of Scottish Conservative activists last week.
The SNP said the remark was "offensive" and showed it was Westminster, not Scotland, that was stuck in the past.
Mr Clarke, 73, also referred repeatedly to the independence ballot as the "devolution vote" and said itwas in May, rather than in September.
Mr Clarke also predicted a No vote would be vital for Tory momentum, helping the Conservatives win more seats in Scotland at the 2015 General Election.
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