Alex Salmond has rejected claims that an independent Scotland would find itself outside the European Union until 2019 at the earliest.
The first minister, MSP for Aberdeenshire East, insisted entry would be negotiated in the 18-months between a “yes” vote on September 18 and independence day on March 24, 2016.
A spokesman for the SNP leader said: “Scotland is already part of the EU, and we therefore already meet all the requirements for membership.
“There is no treaty provision for Scotland’s expulsion, as this report implies.
“Scotland’s continued membership as an independent country will involve the specific terms being agreed in the 18-month transition we have outlined, a timetable described by the UK Government’s own legal adviser as ‘realistic’.”
Mr Salmond’s spokesman said an independent Scotland would keep the pound, and no country could be forced to join the Euro, as the example of Sweden shows.
“The only threat to Scotland’s place in Europe comes from David Cameron’s in-out referendum as Westminster dances to a UKIP tune and flirts with the exit door of the EU,” he added.
But Labour MP Anne McGuire, speaking on behalf of pro-UK group Better Together, claimed it was “clear beyond doubt” that a new state would have to reapply to join the EU.
“As part of the UK we get special deals on currency, immigration, our rebate and VAT,” she added.
“These special UK deals all benefit Scottish families but are being put at risk by Alex Salmond’s obsession with separation.”
Ms McGuire, MP for Stirling, said voters were being asked to either believe EU experts or Mr Salmond.
“On the one hand we have the prime minister and foreign minister of Spain, the presidents of the European Council and Commission, the Danish Foreign Minister and expert groups like Business for New Europe. On the other hand we have Alex Salmond standing all alone claiming only he is right and everybody else is wrong – it isn’t credible,” she added.