A leading Brexit campaigner has claimed SNP supporters are tempted to vote to leave the EU because of the prospect of more powers for Holyrood.
Tom Harris, director of Scottish Vote Leave, said control of fishing and agriculture would automatically be devolved to the Scottish Parliament without a “big argument and rally down in Westminster”.
The former Labour MP also insisted non-EU citizens were being “stung” because of unlimited immigration from inside the union, forcing the UK Government to apply pressure elsewhere.
And he suggested support for EU membership was wide in Scotland – but not very deep – adding he was confident people would listen to reasonable arguments for leaving.
Mr Harris was giving evidence to the Commons Scottish affairs committee on the impact of the referendum on Scotland.
As well as the handing-over of powers, he pointed to the “democratic deficit” which had prevented the SNP from introducing its plans for minimum alcohol pricing.
He also said leaving the EU would give the Scottish Government the power to protect free tuition fees longer-term.
Asked if he anticipated Scotland voting Remain, he replied: “I’m an optimistic kind of person. I’m still aiming for a majority of Scots (to vote to Leave).
“Most of the polls are showing that SNP voters are more likely to be the ones that vote to leave.
“SNP voters – as I know from personal experience – are the largest group of voters in Scotland.
“You can understand why an SNP voter offered the chance for more powers for the Scottish Parliament by default without a big argument and rally down in Westminster, you can understand why that is an attractive prospect.”
Scottish Secretary David Mundell, who was also giving evidence, pointed to the Scotch Whisky Association’s clear support for the Remain camp and farmers in Scotland who had spoken in favour of the benefits of EU membership.
And he urged all those against a Brexit to get out and make the positive case for the EU.
Meanwhile, a fresh warning has been issued about the potential economic cost of Brexit from the head of the World Trade Organisation, who claimed import tariffs would cost the country billions.
WTO director general, Roberto Azevedo, said the UK would have to negotiate membership of the organisation – as it is currently represented by the EU – and trade deals with countries around the world.