Scottish Tory leader condemns independence push and First Minister's Sinn Féin talks

During a speech, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay denounced the SNP’s independence agenda and its recent summit with Sinn Féin, accusing the party of siding with the IRA’s former political wing. He said families of IRA victims are outraged by the First Minister’s cooperation, recalling the 1984 bombing that killed five people, including Muriel Maclean. Findlay warned that foreign powers such as Russia, Iran and China would exploit a fragmented UK, pointing to a Chinese wind-turbine factory proposal in the Highlands and concerns over national security.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of Faslane naval base jobs and suggested an independent Scotland could become a foothold for hostile regimes. The Tory leader concluded that the SNP’s nationalist agitation is now a dangerous, irresponsible distraction for Scotland’s future.