Scotland's new first minister John Swinney said he believes Scotland could split from the rest of the UK in five years thanks to Brexit and the cost of living crisis.
According to Ednews, he told Sky News: "I think independence can be delivered in that timescale because the arguments for it are compelling.
"If we look at two of the biggest issues we face as a country in Scotland; the effect of the cost of living and the implications of Brexit.
"Both of those are major strategic factors that are doing severe economic and social damage to Scotland because of bad decisions taken in Westminster.
"And independence is the answer to that."
He said Scotland was "forced out of the European Union against our will" as a majority in the country voted to remain.