Scottish Independence: Yes Vote Nationalism is Based on Racism and Hate says Philip Kerr

British author Philip Kerr has launched a scathing attack on pro-independence Scots and claimed that the country's First Minister Alex Salmond wants to sever the 307-year old union but keep all the benefits of remaining part of the UK.

Speaking to Spain's El Pais newspaper, in the cultural supplement called Babelia, Kerr also added that it is "ridiculous" that not all Scots get to vote in the referendum in three days' time, just because they don't live in the country anymore.

"All nationalism is based on racism and hate. I'm Scottish, I was born in Scotland, as my parents, as my grandparents," said Kerr, the author of more than 20 books, including seven Bernie Gunther novels.

"I do not live there, I have no Scottish accent, and that's why so many people think I am discredited. The reason they have chosen to vote is a battle in 1314. It's ridiculous.

"The last time the Scottish army defeated the English was 700 years ago. And around that same date there was a movie with Mel Gibson, Braveheart, which is all historically erroneous a movie can be. The desire to be a nation comes from there. The "Yes" supporters have a serious problem with the truth."

Scottish people will vote in an independence referendum on 18 September, 2014, and will be asked the straight "yes/no" question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

Latest polls show the Yes and No vote are neck and neck while politicians have stepped up their campaigns to close the gap.

Critics, including Kerr, have repeatedly exclaimed that the Yes camp have yet to give answers to key issues surrounding the implications of becoming an independent country.

"Scotland is the only case in the world where the poor part of a territory wants to separate from the rich part," said Kerr.

"If independence came, one option is to keep the pound as its currency, so that all economic decisions will continue to be taken by the Bank of England. It's like Salmond saying that he wants to stop paying the gym membership and still use all the facilities.

"I think the "No" will win. It's scary to think about the day after, because if 40% of Scots vote for independence, that 40% will feel that they have not been heard and will feel angered, aggrieved, because that is the Scottish character: They are resentful, aggressive, they feel they have been cheated. They are not particularly rational people."

However, Kerr didn't stop there. He also said that Scotland could be economically fraught like Greece if it opts for independence.

"I will say that anyone who supports Scottish independence should go to Athens," said Kerr.

"Because nothing works. It is a disaster. It is a ruined, dirty place where people do not have money or future prospects. The day one after independence, Scotland would be worse. Worst."