Alex Salmond wants Scotland to forge ties with EU neighbours without deferring to Westminster
ByGavin Hewitt
Europe editor
The Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, says an independent Scotland would be an "enthusiastic, engaged and committed contributor to European progress".
In his Bruges speech, external today he is seeking to reassure voters that leaving the UK would not leave Scotland isolated from the EU.
But rejoining the 28-nation bloc would be no simple matter. You can read my analysis on my blog here.
