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SCOTTISH independence is inevitable in the longer term, according to a Conservative peer.

Lord Fraser of Carmyllie said that while he did not want independence to happen, it would become a recurring issue regardless of the outcome of the referendum in 2014.

The former MP for Angus is to take part in a Spectator debate in London on the same side as former newspaper editor Kelvin MacKenzie and writer Gerry Hassan, arguing for Scotland leaving the union.

He said: "While I would like to see a continuation of the union, my resigned attitude now is that there is something of an inevitability about it.

"There was a time when you could travel from the Cromarty Firth to the Borders without leaving Conservative constituencies, now the champagne corks would be popping if we got as few as five (MPs).

"I'm not for independence but grown-up people have to recognise the practical politics in Scotland."

Lord Fraser said that while the SNP might not win the referendum in 2014, the issue would not disappear following a defeat.

"It will just go on and on until the electorate are ground down into voting for it," he said.

Lord Fraser is a distinguished name in politics having served as a government minister, solicitor general for Scotland and Lord Advocate.

He headed an inquiry into the cost of the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood and he was responsible for an investigation into the Lockerbie bombing during his time as Lord Advocate.

Commenting on Lord Fraser's remarks, a Scottish Conservative spokesman said: "This is the biggest decision the country has faced in 300 years and there is all to play for. Scottish Conservatives know Scotland is better off in Britain.

"Even Lord Fraser himself is not convinced that the SNP will win the referendum on separation."

The SNP said Lord Fraser's comments, and his appearance at the debate arguing in favour of the motion that it is time to "let Scotland go", would cause embarrassment for the Scottish Tories' leader Ruth Davidson.

Angus South SNP MSP Graeme Dey said: "Lord Fraser's thoughtful comments stand in stark contrast to those of Ruth Davidson who is trying to position the Scottish Tories as the leading anti-independence party in Scotland.

"If she can't persuade one of their leading lights of the benefits of the union, how on earth can she expect to persuade the voters?"

Labour peer George Foulkes added: "This is a matter for the people of Scotland to decide, not politicians, and Labour will fight to ensure the referendum is fair and properly conducted.

"The longer this debate goes on, the more people see that our nations are stronger and better working in partnership rather than in competition. That has been the case for hundreds of years and I suspect it will be the case for hundreds to come."