The National:

AN SNP MP has produced the perfect response to claims that Scotland only has “oil” and a “monster in a lake”.

The comments, made by former royal family butler Paul Burrell, featured during a discussion about Scottish independence on the Jeremy Vine show.

“I think that the United Kingdom is stronger together than they are apart,” Burrell said. “I mean, for goodness sake, Scotland, by itself? How’s it going survive? It has … what does it have? … Oil, and a monster in a lake … and … whisky.”

READ MORE: SNP bring in Ofcom over Jeremy Vine show 'guff' on independence

But now Vine has revealed that the SNP’s Drew Hendry hit back at the claims in the form of a note passed to the host at a charity event.

The “impressive” MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey added a few more items to Burrell’s list of Scotland’s assets.

The National: SNP MP Drew Hendry extended the list of Scotland's assets somewhatSNP MP Drew Hendry extended the list of Scotland's assets somewhat

He highlighted Scotland’s 34% share of UK wealth, its 90% share of fresh water, 96% share of crude oil and 63% share of natural gas.

The list continues, adding Scotland’s rich resources in terms of fishing, renewable energy, food and drink and “much, much more”.

Vine commented: “After Paul Burrell (Diana's former butler) offended Scots wanting independence — in fact all Scots — by saying ‘all they have is oil and a monster,’ the impressive @drewhendrySNP good-humouredly passed me this note at a charity event to set the record straight.”

Burrell’s comments produced a furious backlash from Scots on social media.

Singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald said: “If Scotland is this f***ing s***e then why do these folk want us to stay so much?

“This government won’t subsidise an extra bedroom for those in need but it’s happy to subsidise an entire country? Absolutely sick of this patronising crap.”

READ MORE: Amy Macdonald in furious Twitter rant at ridiculous Unionist claim

SNP defence spokesperson Stewart McDonald said the remarks had backfired.

“We really should thank @JeremyVineOn5 for providing @YesScot with excellent campaign clips,” he tweeted.

National columnist Alistair Heather also hit out at the Unionist logic.

He tweeted: “It boggles the mind that on the one hand they are all in favour of keeping a hold of us because it makes them "stronger", but on the other hand have no idea what goes on here, or in what way we might be a positive asset to their tiny empire.”

The SNP have since launched an official complaint with Ofcom after Channel 5 ignored and failed to reply to emails from the party raising concerns.