According to Richard Cook, chairman of unionist group the Constitutional Research Council, a future ‘no’ campaign would have no shortage of donors

Unionist business leaders are queuing up to donate six-figure sums to keep the UK united as the prospect of a new Scottish independence referendum grows, according to a pro-Union campaign group.

Richard Cook, a former Scottish Tory parliamentary candidate who chairs controversial unionist group the Constitutional Research Council (CRC), said there was no shortage of donors preparing to boost the war chest of a future “no” campaign.

It is a claim that senior Tories have supported privately, and which could make first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s chances of winning another referendum more remote.

Cook told The Sunday Times: “I am in touch with several businessmen who are prepared to donate six-figure sums to a new and positive campaign for the Union.

“More people with more money