The SNP’s independence plans have “completely unravelled within 24 hours”, according to the Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidates for Irvine.

Scott Gallacher, Angela Stephen, and Margaret George claim there is now total confusion over the SNP’s stance on EU membership.

They said that on the morning of Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement, SNP ministers failed to spell out whether an independent Scotland would seek membership of the European Union.

Irvine West candidate Scott Gallacher said the confusion only serves to underline the “reckless” proposal for a rushed referendum – which would force people to vote blind, on a series of “whatifs”.

“Between us, we have spoken to countless Irvine residents over the past two months in our respective wards.

“The clear majority are completely against another divisive, needless referendum for Scotland, never mind one where the separatists are attempting to make the game rules up as they go along.

“The residents of Irvine are only interested in the Scottish Government getting on with the day job, and trying to reverse the damage already caused by them over the past ten years.

“Only the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party, and their candidates. can be relied on to stand up to Ms Sturgeon, and her never ending obsession to selfishly tear Scotland out of the United Kingdom.”