A senior SNP politician has claimed Scottish families will get cheaper summer holidays with independence.
Moray MP Angus Robertson said the Scottish Government was committed to cutting air passenger duty (APD) in half with a view to its complete abolition when finances permit.
But last night his remarks were dismissed as sign of “desperation” within the Yes camp.
The row emerged after the Press and Journal revealed yesterday that Keith Williams, British Airways executive chairman, was partly blaming soaring APD for the airline’s decision to cut flights between Aberdeen and London.
Mr Robertson said parliamentary research showed that before 2007 a family of four going on holiday to Spain would have paid £20 APD for the return trip, but must bow find £52.
For long distance flights the mark-up is even higher. In 2007 a family of four travelling to Florida would have paid £80. Today the trip would cost £276 in APD.
Setting out the commitment to half the duty, Mr Robertson said: “Many families are being hit by this tourism tax which is hitting their own spending and which is also stifling investment.”
Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Alex Johnstone said Chancellor George Osborne had already reduced higher rates in the budget and his party was actively campaigning for its complete abolition.
The North-east MSP accused Mr Robertson of saying “anything to achieve his single political objective of independence,”, adding: “It is also an indication of the extent of the desperation that exists within Yes camp as it becomes increasingly clear that Scotland is going to deliver a thumping vote of confidence in the union in September.”