BUSINESS leaders, economists and academics have spoken out about being lent on by the Scottish government to stay out of the independence debate.

Some have felt pressured, intimidated and constrained to keep quiet. Gavin Hewitt, a former chief executive of the Scottish Whisky Association, has decided to back the Better Together Campaign and accuses Angus Robertson of the SNP of pressuring business leaders, allegedly informing them they should stay out of the independence debate with manipulation, intimidation and threats of retribution.

Channel 4’s Dispatches programme contacted 50 companies about this. Five responded and said they were contacted by an SNP minister or via phone. Three felt pressured and constrained to stay out of the independence date. One felt intimidated and threatened.

Shona Robinson, SNP MSP for Dundee East, made complaints about Professor Chris Whatley, vice-principal of Dundee University, who had voiced support for Better Together.

Finance Secretary John Swinney has been accused of pressuring organisations to pull out of the CBI after it’s decision to officially back the no vote in September last year. The SNP Scottish government denied claims made by Mr Hewitt and denied any involvement with CBI. One of the largest unions, the GMB has backed the Better Together Campaign while other unions have sat on the fence. I would urge other unions to take a stand.

Business leaders, economists and academics have the right to voice there own opinions too.

Alistair Rutter, Woodland, Bishop Auckland.