SCOTLAND in Union has used the prospect of another pro-independence party in Holyrood to beg for funds.

The anti-independence lobby group hit out at plans for a new Wings Over Scotland party in time for the next Holyrood election in 2021.

In an email to supporters, Scotland in Union (SIU) said “another layer of constitutional chaos is the last thing Scotland needs”, The National can reveal.

Pro-independence blogger Stuart Campbell told The Times last week he would start the ball rolling “if it looked like there wasn’t going to be a pro-independence majority, which I think is a very real danger”.

SIU urged members to donate, saying: “In recent weeks, the question of Scotland’s future in the UK has never been far from the headlines. With opposition to our new Prime Minister, concerns over Brexit and talk of a new pro-independence party, it has never been more important to speak up and highlight the benefits of being in the United Kingdom, and the pride which we take in our country. We know that whatever you think of Boris and Brexit, independence is not the answer. Another layer of constitutional chaos is the last thing that Scotland needs. If you would like to help ... You can volunteer and/or donate.”

Official accounts lodged with Companies House last year showed Scotland in Union’s capital and reserves tumbled by almost 50% in the 12 months, down from almost £313,300 to around £170,000.

An SNP spokesman suggested a Wings party elected to Holyrood in 2021 would not help to promote independence because Sturgeon plans to hold indyref2 by then.

SNP deputy leader Keith Brown said: “Throughout the Brexit process, Scotland has been treated with contempt by Westminster, and our efforts to find compromise and protect the interests of the people of Scotland, who voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, have been ignored ... Scotland must have the choice of a better future.”