Scotland may declare itself independent without a referendum

The minister said demographics would witness a surge in support for independence in the coming years

Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, has reportedly said that Scotland could declare itself independent even without a referendum in the future.

Salmond, who said that he will stand down after voters rejected Scotland's independence last week, admitted that a referendum was the "best route" to statehood but added that there were other ways to achieve the same too, reported The Independent.

He said that if the Scottish Parliament was given powers so that it was independent in all possible ways but name then presumably, it will declare itself to be independent. Salmond pointed out that if the United Kingdom (UK) voted to leave the European Union (EU) or if it fails to devolve more powers to Edinburgh then having another vote would be justified.

He also added that demographics would witness a surge in support for independence in the coming years.

The First Minister had previously said that he would accept the result of the referendum and that it was a "once in a generation" event.

Terming Salmond's statements "undemocratic" and "an insult to the people of Scotland," Johann Lamont, the Scottish Labour leader, warned Salmond against overthrowing "the will of the Scottish people.