Former ANM Group chief executive Brian Pack has revealed his intention to vote Yes in next week’s referendum.
He said: “Having started sceptical of the benefits of independence for Scotland, I have gradually moved my position as I found myself more in tune with the Yes campaign arguments and being excited by the vision of a new free Scotland.
“I have no doubt that my recognition of the difference made, including agriculture, by having a Scottish Government that was willing and able to argue Scotland’s case in Westminster and Europe had a bearing.”
Mr Pack has been close to the political world since he retired from ANM Group, and was lead author of the highly influential Pack Report which set out Scotland’s approach to CAP reform.
More recently he has completed a Scottish Government sponsored report looking at ways of reducing red tape and bureaucracy.
He said: “For me, having worked on how to reduce red tape in agriculture and land management, there is a need to overhaul our regulatory and administrative structures.
“I believe the acceptance of the fundamental change required to deliver an independent Scotland with an administrative and regulatory structure fit for the future and relevant to Scotland’s needs will speed the process.
“It is easy to convince yourself and I did that embarking on such a hazardous journey (towards independence) would be foolhardy.
“But this ignores the potential to develop a new sense of values, new structures, relationships, and ways of doing things that are relevant to a modern Scotland, with change being the order of the day rather than something to be avoided. We have an opportunity not to be missed.”
Mr Pack added: “The quality of some of the independence debate gave me great heart once I realised that after a Yes vote all this talent would be pooled, ensuring that Scotland had the best chance for the future.
“And so it will be with the rest of the UK, as it is in everyone’s interest to ensure Scotland is successful just as Scotland will work positively with its neighbours to the benefit of all.
“Achieving independence should not be seen as a bitter divorce but more like a son or daughter leaving home and establishing their future life a family affair.
“The one certainty resulting from the referendum is that the British political scene will never be the same again.
“The thought of being back where we started on September 19 fills me with horror all that energy wasted.”
“It is possible that a different route to constitutional reform could have got us to a better position in that Scotland got full power to decide what was important to Scotland.
“But the No campaign and the utterances from the Westminster Government consigned any such thoughts to the deepest pit and left independence as the only viable option for Scotland.”
Commenting on Mr Pack’s position George Lyon, chairman of Rural Better Together, said: “I have respect for Brian Pack’s views and he has carried out a lot of good work on behalf of the Scottish Government for the last five years but the facts are that Scottish farmers’ future prosperity is best secured staying with the UK.
“That is the only way to keep the strength and stability of the pound, a home market of 63 million consumers, a moderate farmer-friendly tax regime and an early solution in 2017 to convergence with the UK review which will give Scottish farmers a substantial uplift in CAP payments.
“That is why I believe the majority of farmers will be saying No Thanks to independence on September 18.”