Scott plays down referendum issue

Tavish Scott: "I want a strong Scotland"

Scotland's new Liberal Democrat leader has played down talk of his party supporting a multi-option referendum on independence.

Tavish Scott said he would do nothing which might bring about independence "by the back door".

In an interview on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme, he said he favoured neither independence nor the present set-up.

Mr Scott was declared Scottish Lib Dem leader on Tuesday.

The 42-year-old secured 1,450 votes, representing a 59% share of the turnout. Ross Finnie polled 568 votes (21.3%), and Mike Rumbles won 439 votes (17.9%).

Speculation he might be persuaded by a multi-option referendum came in a news conference after he was made the new leader.

I think we need to not get obsessed by this - I think politicians and the media are too obsessed by endless talk about referendums and the constitution Tavish Scott Scottish Liberal Democrat leader

He told the gathered media: "We will see what legislation the SNP comes forward with" - adding that he was not against the idea of people having the chance "to cast a view on these things".

But in the radio interview on Wednesday, Mr Scott said: "I want a stronger Scotland, a stronger Scottish Parliament within the UK."

He said he wanted to ensure that when the Calman Commission on Scottish devolution completed its work, and when the Lib Dems completed their own internal study of devolution, the outcome would be "a strong blueprint for a stronger parliament".

Mr Scott added: "Quite how that will then be judged will be up to the people of Scotland - but I do think it's important to concentrate on issues that are important to them, and not to politicians who love guffing on about the constitution."

'All the options'

Asked about the principle of a referendum offering the choices of independence, no change, or other options, he said: "I'm not sure how you could have a multi-option referendum in that sense.

"I think there's a real danger of independence getting in through the back door in that kind of construction of a referendum.

"And I will not do anything that allows that to happen.

"I think we need to not get obsessed by this - I think politicians and the media are too obsessed by endless talk about referendums and the constitution.

"When Calman produces its report, when our own internal work is concluded on a blueprint for a stronger Scotland and a stronger Scottish Parliament within the United Kingdom, then we will look at all these options - but not until then."

His first day at the helm of the party began with a visit to Glenrothes, where his party has already chosen its candidate for the by-election created by the death of Labour MP John MacDougall.