A former Conservative MSP has said he would back a Yes vote in next year’s independence referendum.
Nick Johnston, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife from 1999-2001, said independence could help “kick-start” the country and achieve a better Scotland.
He said Scotland needs the “grown-up powers” of an independent country to match its status as a “fully developed grown-up country”.
Writing in Scotland on Sunday he said: “Having followed the arguments of the Yes and No campaigns, my conclusion is that while a devolved parliament can do good things and it has it lacks the core economic and welfare powers to tackle the fundamental issues.
“Put simply, while problems and opportunities with particular resonance in Scotland can go by the board at Westminster, it’s just not possible for that to happen in a Scottish Parliament.”
He added: “A new Scotland vested with full powers and full of ambition will be the kick-start I believe we need as a country.”
Mr Johnston also called for the voice of Scotland’s centre-right to be heard, and welcomed the launch of the Wealthy Nation initiative last week by voices from the centre-right who back a Yes vote.
The independence referendum is on September 18.