A row broke out as the SNP stepped up their calls for the prime minister to take on Alex Salmond in an independence debate.
The Nationalists said the fact that a UK minister will be representing the No campaign in a referendum debate in the Highlands removed the remains of David Cameron’s “feeble argument” for meeting the first minister.
But the Scottish Conservatives hit back at SNP “froth” and claimed Mr Salmond had spent the last two and half years “dodging” TV debates where he would be quizzed on key issues.
Farming and fisheries minister George Eustice will head a pro-unionist team up against a Yes campaign panel led by Scottish farming and environment secretary Richard Lochhead during a referendum debate organised by NFUS in Dingwall this evening.
Angus Robertson, MP for Moray and SNP Westminster leader, said: “The fact that a UK Government minister is representing the No campaign in a referendum debate removes the last vestige of David Cameron’s feeble argument against taking part in a TV debate against the first minister.
“The reality is that the No campaign is led by the Tory government at Westminster – Mr Eustice understands that, which is why he is officially speaking for the No campaign. The only reason David Cameron is dodging debate is because he’s feart.”
Mr Cameron has consistently refused to take part in a televised debate. Mr Salmond has agreed to take on the Alistair Darling, head of the pro-union Better Together campaign.
North-east Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone hit back saying: “This is just more froth from the Yes campaign and a diversion away from the real issues.
“It’s a pity they don’t put as much energy into giving voters answers on key questions about the pound and EU membership. Alex Salmond has spent the last two and a half years dodging TV debates to talk about these kind of issues, putting up his deputy instead to take the flak.
“It’s good to see the first minister has finally agreed to go head to head with the Alistair Darling, who is leading the campaign to keep Scotland in the UK.”