The bigger issue today and one which will impact on the Referendum, - is the dramatic rise of UKIP in the European election.

Contrary to expectations, Nigel Farage won an MEP seat in Scotland.  This has embarrassed the SNP and Alex Salmond.

Not so long ago the SDA was happy to have UKIP's support in their lobbying of Iceland to encourage that small state to remain outside of the EU.  Jim travelled to Reykjavik together with FAL and UKIP representatives and met together with Iceland contacts to warn of the dangers of EU control of Iceland's fisheries.

Well, now that connection may be somewhat embarrassing.   But truth be told, UKIP was the only British party to support our plea to free Scots and Icelanders from the common fisheries policy.

Our question today is how will the rise of UKIP affect the Independence Referendum.

The opinion of the media persons on BBC last night was that it would have limited effect.

I think there is a plus and a minus for us.

On the plus side, it is a broadside against the SNP's love affair with the EU.

On the negative side I think UKIP voters will be less inclined to vote YES.

But the development has highlighted the pressing need for Independence outside of the EU.

The SNP would oppose that strongly.

But the many and diverse groups in radical Scotland would strongly support that stand.

In that corner are Jim Sillars, Elaine C Smith, Patrick Harvie of the Greens, Tommy Sheridan, Cat Boyd the trade unionist, Leslie Riddoch, John Finney and Jean Urquhart (the dissident former SNP msp's), Carolle Ralph of Moray SNP and many many more supporters of Radical Scotland.  

We desperately need a 'broad church' umbrella organisation to bring all these disparate groups together after the Referendum, to oppose Scotland's membership of the EU.  Last night's anti-EU vote in Scotland, England and across Europe gives us a momentum to build on.

sincerely

David

Note: Steve Buchanan noted that those who voted for UKIP in Scotland were most probably English residents and numerically they were just 3% of the electorate.