THE UK Government has adopted an “almost colonial” mindset in its approach to Scotland, according to a leading political commentator.

In a scathing critique of Boris Johnson, Financial Times editor at large Robert Shrimsley warns the dissolution of the Union could well be the Prime Minister’s ultimate legacy.

The newspaper’s chief UK political commentator adds that Unionists are “very pessimistic” about the chances of preventing Scottish independence.

Shocked into action by recent polls which show majority support for a Yes vote, the PM is planning several trips to Scotland to promote the Union.

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But Shrimsley writes: “As long as the UK has Mr Johnson, the nationalists have a chance.

“He is now discussing a Scottish tour but this might go down as well as a royal progress by the conquering knights of Edward I. Mr Johnson is, in the words of one Unionist, ‘irredeemably toxic to Scots.’”

UK Government ministers are to hold an emergency meeting to discuss plans to curb increasing support for independence, which Shrimsley says has offered at least some hope to disheartened Better Together backers.

A leading Unionist told him: “I am very pessimistic. The only real grounds for optimism is that people in London are now very worried and that the cabinet office is getting engaged.” Another added: “London has now seen what they are dealing with. The SNP are not the Liberal Democrats.”

Michael Gove, reportedly put into “panic mode” by the recent polls, is said to be accelerating review of intergovernmental relations. Shrimsley writes that this is long ovderdue, adding: “UK dealings with the devolved administrations are characterised by an almost colonial mindset and need a rethink.”

A former Downing Street staffer told him that the problem extended beyond Downing Street. “This is not just about politicians,” they said. “Whitehall also too often treats the first ministers of Scotland and Wales like regional mayors rather than the leaders of countries.”

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Taking aim at Johnson, the FT commentator concludes: “If Scotland goes, it will be a calamity he has largely visited upon himself. And history will not be kind.”

Downing Street reaffirmed its opposition to a second independence referendum yesterday when the PM’s spokesman was quizzed over reports of panic among the Cabinet about the increasingly likely prospect of a Yes vote.

He said: "It was in 2014 that the Scottish people voted to keep our United Kingdom together. Both sides committed to respecting that decision, and the First Minister promised it would be a once in a generation vote. The UK Government will continue to uphold the decisive verdict from the referendum."