Could Orkney and Shetland leave Scotland but stay in UK?
Some politicians have suggested the Northern Isles could remain part of the UK, but not be part of an independent Scotland.
Orkney and Shetland feel remote from London and Edinburgh, and could flex their muscles over neighbouring oil-rich waters as Scotland approaches its independence referendum.
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said the islands could use their influence over oil, gas and renewable energy to negotiate new powers in Kirkwall and Lerwick away from a centralised Scottish government.
The SNP's Angus MacNeil said the idea was a non-starter, but conceded "if there was a big enough drive for self-determination, that has to be respected".