‘Scottish independence link’ to ISIS Scots hostage

ISLAMIC extremists are threatening to kill Scottish aid worker David Haines to help secure a Yes vote in the independence referendum, an intelligence expert has claimed.

By The Newsroom Monday, 8th September 2014, 9:25 am

Scottish aid worker David Haines was paraded by Islamic State fighters in a video last week. Picture: PA

Mr Haines was paraded by Islamic State fighters in a video last week following the second beheading of a US journalist. A macabre video makes it clear the 44-year-old from Perth could face a similar fate.

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Professor Anthony Glees of the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham said: “ISIS are masters of propaganda and realise the impact of selecting a Scot.

Scottish aid worker David Haines was paraded by Islamic State fighters in a video last week. Picture: PA

“They will hope by showing the UK is weak and unable to defend its citizens it will drive Scots to embrace independence.

“If they can no longer strike hostile forces who attack their citizens, the UK is clearly in danger of being a spent force heading towards division. And a weakened UK is exactly what the ISIS wants.”