An SNP veteran has accused Westminster parties of treating Scots like the downstairs staff in Downton Abbey.
Gordon Wilson, who led the party in the 1980s, said the “London elite” has kept Scotland in the same UK household and is now trying to prevent Scots from having any say in its management – just like the aristocratic landowners and their servants in the ITV period drama.
Mr Wilson has announced he intends to continue campaigning for independence under his Options For Scotland banner, insisting he is living through the most exciting time of his political life despite turning 77 last week.
“The independence movement is laden with opportunities and also fraught with the problems of success,” he said.
“Given that this week I complete 60 years of service to independence, I really should bow out but there is not a chance of it.
“The task is not complete and an independent nationalist analysis is vital.
“In the referendum, I said that Scotland would pay a price after a No vote.
“I had not expected the mean-minded, demeaning and vicious attacks on Scotland’s place in the union or the ferocity of England’s parties at their right to rule.
“More and more as this campaign progresses, it’s like Downton Abbey, with the London elite upstairs and the Scots downstairs in the servant’s quarters.
“Both are in the same British household where the Scots are not permitted to have any say in its management.”