Swinney: Scotland will not join ERM or euro currency

Comments by the European Commission president about an independent Scotland are "pretty preposterous", according to Scotland's finance minister.

Earlier, Jose Manuel Barroso told the BBC's Andrew Marr it would be "extremely difficult, if not impossible" for an independent Scotland to join the European Union.

Mr Barroso cited the example of Spain opposing the recognition of Kosovo. However, John Swinney has dismissed the comparison.

He told Andrew Neil on the Sunday Politics that "absolutely no member state of the European Union has indicated they would veto Scottish membership."

The referendum on Scottish independence will be held on 18 September, with voters being asked the Yes/No question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

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