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Dundee will have access to the jewels in the V&A crown in the event of independence despite UK Government warnings of resource sharing problems if Scotland leaves the UK.

An analysis paper on science and research, launched by ministers on Monday, said negotiation would have to take place over Scottish access to assets situated in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if there is a Yes vote next year.

The document names the Victoria and Albert in London as one of the assets in question.

It said: “In the event of a vote for independence, the terms of access to existing UK-operated research institutions by researchers in a newly independent Scottish state could not be guaranteed, and it is unlikely they would be on the same basis as researchers in the continuing UK.

“In some cases future access to infrastructures would be likely to depend on collaborative relationships with academic partners in the continuing UK.”

But a V&A at Dundee spokesman said those relationships had already been established and the Waterfront project would not be hit by independence.

He added: “There would be no impact on the nature of the relationship with our V&A.

“It would go purely from being part of V&A in London strategy to a V&A international strategy. We already work in partnership with institutions throughout the world.”