Former SNP Highlands and Islands MSP David Thompson has suggested English was not a “proper” language in Scotland.
Mr Thompson made the remark despite being the chairman of a new “inclusive” campaign group for independence.
The former MSP introduced himself in Gaelic and Scots to the SNP conference.
To laughter from delegates, he then added: “Apologies to those who don’t have the two proper languages of Scotland.”
Last week, Mr Thompson, 69, who also represented Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, launched Voices for Scotland in the hope of increasing independence support.
The group said it wanted to be a “safe space” for people to debate independence free from “shouty men” and wanted to win over No Voters through the art of calm conversation.
A Tory spokesman said: “To use a word that every Scot would understand Mr Thompson appears to have a made a bit of fool himself.
“He also risks insulting thousands of voters.”
Former Highlands MSP suggests English not a ‘proper’ language of Scotland
