Scottish independence: Hyslop on 'powerhouse' after Faslane

Scottish Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has said staff at Faslane could help retain an engineering "powerhouse" under independence.

Ms Hyslop was speaking on the BBC's first Referendum Debate. In response to a question on Faslane, she told the audience: "There are plans in place that can make sure that Faslane is retained for some defence matters and ensure that their employment is provided.

"There are many of the trade unions, for example, have got a very effective plan in place as to how we can use the engineering capacity of those that are there and particularly to make sure that Scotland remains and can be developed as a powerhouse in terms of engineering because the skills and talents need to be diversified."

Scottish deputy Labour leader Anas Sarwar, said to Ms Hyslop: "You have changed your position, not because you have changed your mind, but because you want to win people's votes."

The Referendum Debate will be available to watch on the BBCiPlayer for one week following transmission.