“We’re better together,” Osborne said bluntly. “Separation would bring consequences for not just Scotland, we would all suffer.”

He pointed out that trade within the UK is “by far the most important market for Scottish goods and services”, representing nearly twice the value of its entire trade with the rest of the world.

“Introducing an international border between Scotland and the rest of the UK would reduce business and trade across the border,” he reasoned.

“You