One of Scotland’s biggest cash-and-carry operations has dismissed No campaign claims that supermarket prices will rise in an independent Scotland, stating that his company plans to lower them.

Mohammed Ramzan, the Chairman of United Wholesale Grocers, is voting Yes and has labelled the threats as ‘scaremongering’.

The hugely successful entrepreneur, who has lived in Scotland since he came here from his native Pakistan in 1974, declared for Yes in July.

Mr Ramzan said:  'I am hugely disappointed with the scaremongering on food prices in an independent Scotland - there is just no truth in these claims.

'My business supplies to 4,000 corner shops and 2,000 carry outs - as well as owning 275 stores - and regardless of the outcome of the referendum I am planning to reduce prices in my shops over the next five years. Every single company fights for market share - they can't afford to raise prices because they have to compete to retain their market share and to grow. 

'I believe that independence will give Scotland the chance to prosper - and we'll be much better off. And following a Yes vote, all, political parties in Scotland will be focused on what's best for the people who live here. This is why we must put Scotland's future in Scotland's hands next week.'