Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Willie Rennie has urged the Scottish Government to work with Westminster to ensure that the result of an independence referendum is decided at the ballot box, not in the courts.
Willie Rennie MSPCommenting, Mr Rennie said:
"It is in everyone's interests, including the SNP, that the referendum is legally sound. Scotland's future should be determined by the voters, not the courts.
"I accept the SNP have a mandate to hold a referendum on independence but they have failed to recognise the clear legal issues that arise from the Scottish Parliament holding a constitutional referendum.
"To avoid the strong possibility of a legal challenge some cooperation with Westminster is essential so that a referendum has the legal force and effect necessary to be seen as legitimate.
"We do not want a situation to arise when this issue of vital importance to the future direction of Scotland is finally decided in the courts rather than at the ballot box."