FEARS have been raised over the future the expansion of Buchanan Galleries, if Scotland becomes independent.

The £350m development to double the size of the shopping centre is tied in with the rebuilding wotk at Queen Street Station which will connect the two.

A report in the Financial Times newspaper said backers are privately considering pulling out due to economic uncertainty if Scotland becomes independent.

Glasgow City Council said the project was an example of investment the city cannot afford to lose.

Council Leader Gordon Matheson said: "This is a glimpse of what's to come if we vote yes.

"This is a great project for Glasgow and for Scotland and is needed if we are to stay competitive.

"Projects like these are hard won, but can be lost overnight. I don't believe these jobs are a price worth paying to indulge the SNP's lifelong obsession with breaking up Britain.

"It's a risk Glasgow and Scotland simply does not need to take."

The FT article said "Backers of the venture, set to create 1700 jobs, have privately raised concerns about economic uncertainty following independence and would be prepared to scrap it."

The Scottish Government didn't comment on the article or suggestions the project was at risk.

A spokesman for the developer TIAA Anderson said: "Where our investments are located is driven by our investors and it would be inappropriate to make comment on the Scottish Referendum or its potential outcome."

A spokesman for Yes Scotland said: "Hendersons Global Investors' very recent backing for an £850m investment in the regeneration of Edinburgh's St James Quarter speaks volumes about the market's view on Scotland's economic prospects as an independent country."