Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has accused the Conservatives of a "desperate attempt to paint a veneer of positivity" over the No campaign during a debate on Scotland's future at Holyrood.

The Tories used their parliamentary debating time to mount a defence of the union ahead of September's referendum, with constitution spokeswoman Annabel Goldie describing it as a "living, breathing, vibrant, flexible and dynamic partnership, a unique union of nations".

But Ms Sturgeon said the No campaign was in "deep trouble", stating that the Tories "are the living embodiment of the democratic case for independence".

"The No campaign has made it clear, in their view, that we have no right to any of the shared assets that we have contributed to and paid for," Ms Sturgeon said.

"It will be Westminster, and Westminster alone, that calls the shots.

"That's not an equal partnership but it has made it pretty clear to people in Scotland that the only way to get a true partnership of equals between the countries of these islands is to vote Yes.

"People know that the ties that matter between our nations - of family, culture, history - don't depend on Westminster, they will endure regardless of how we are governed."

Ms Goldie said the union had enabled the UK to fight Nazism and terrorism, and face the challenges of banking failures and the recession.

She added: "Within the United Kingdom, devolution gives us a strong Scottish Parliament with a clear potential for development, to address and protect our distinctive culture, traditions and institutions.

"While I do not doubt the passion and conviction of those who desire independence, they cannot deliver the global influence which Scotland currently enjoys, they cannot provide the economic stability which we currently share, they cannot guarantee the pound as our currency, they cannot tell us what will be our currency and they cannot deliver the best future for Scotland."

Labour's Drew Smith said his party rejected the politics of nationalism and accused the Scottish Government of seeking to "ferment despair".

"We will continue to make a positive case for partnership and co-operation. Pooling and sharing resources, facing risks together," he said.

"The best of both worlds - a strong Scottish Parliament and Scottish representation in the UK."