Stihler said that she would be watching Salmond’s Brussels visit with interest this week and warned that although he has been dubbed “pro-European”, his dislike of the European Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) has led him into “dangerous territory”. 

She continued: “Mr Salmond must surely be aware that withdrawal from the CFP would lead to withdrawal from the European Union. The social and economic ramifications of leaving the EU would be unthinkable and the Scottish people must never forget that leaving the CFP was an SNP election manifesto pledge.

“I hope that Mr Salmond realises that direct confrontation with Commissioners this week will do him and Scottish interests no good whatsoever. His attempts to ensure Scotland takes the lead in fisheries negotiations for the UK are extremely short-sighted.”

Stihler’s comments follow remarks by Salmond made during a visit to Belgium to a reception to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele. In his address Salmond said that he believes that “it is time to transform the nature of Scotland’s representation and impact in Europe.” 

As such he said Scotland must directly engage with EU institutions in order to “protect and promote” Scottish interests, while adding: “The new Scottish Government will always put Scotland's case with courtesy, and with strength and conviction.” 

In particular, Salmond gave the example of fishing as an area he would like to see leading the negotiations. 

He explained: “In my view, just as Flanders leads for Belgium at the Fisheries Council, so should Scotland lead for the UK.  Regardless of Scotland's constitutional future, and regardless of the future framework of a policy which does the European cause so much damage and which would be better to revert to national control and conservation, it simply cannot be right that Scotland - with 68 per cent of the UK catch and the largest fishing zone of any single EU country - sits in a subsidiary position when these decisions affecting our communities are being made. 

“Tonight, my message is a clear and unambiguous one - this is the time for Scotland to assume our obligations and responsibilities to help mould the world around us.” 

In response Stihler said: “In the European Union, fisheries negotiations are dominated by the huge Spanish representation and interest. It is essential that we have the entire might of the UK government fighting our corner to make an impact and have suitable influence. Anything less would only weaken our effect on policy.

“To compare us to Flanders in Begium is quite simply ridiculous. While it is true that Flanders takes the lead in fisheries negotiations for Belgium, that region holds the entirety of Belgian coastline. The same, quite obviously, cannot be said for Scotland.  

“We need a unified approach to fisheries negotiation and going to Brussels and making outrageous demands can only be detrimental to Scottish and UK influence in the European Union.”