Ministry of Defence officials are exploring the idea of retaining a Scottish naval base as sovereign UK territory if there is a yes vote in next year's independence referendum.
Faslane, in Argyll and Bute, is home to the Trident nuclear missile submarines.
A government source told the BBC the idea was "interesting" because of the huge costs of relocating the base.
The SNP reacted angrily to the suggestion, accusing Westminster of trying to bully Scotland.
Comments