Nationalists today welcomed comments from a leading Labour politician that independence had its place in the future constitutional debate.
Glasgow city council leader Steven Purcell's position will further "isolate" Labour leader Wendy Alexander, the SNP claimed.
She has been a driving force behind a commission into the constitutional future and a review of the powers of the Scottish parliament.
But this will not look at independence.
Mr Purcell's comments came in an interview with Holyrood magazine.
He states: "Post-devolution Scotland will always have a debate about the Parliament, about the future, and yes , it may possibly include independence.
"It is legitimate that is part of the debate."
He adds: "The people who will take the final view are the people of Scotland."
SNP MSP for Ochil Keith Brown today welcomed comments from Mr Purcell.
The Nationalist said it comes as the Public and Commercial Services Union call on STUC Congress in Inverness next week and all parties to debate the Independence option.
"These comments from Steven Purcell show that not everyone in the Labour party is as scared of Independence or the Scottish people as Wendy Alexander," Mr Brown said.
"Purcell's support for the Scottish people to take the decision on Scotland's future is welcome and will further isolate Wendy Alexander and the Labour leadership who continue to oppose the right of the people to decide their future in a democratic referendum.
"Coming alongside the call by the PCSU for the STUC to hold a full debate on Independence this shows the Scottish Government's National Conversation is engaging with people from all walks of life all over Scotland."
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