AN independent Scotland could be part of a British Isles council, co-operating with England and Ireland in the same way that Scandinavians work together, according to SNP leaderAlex Salmond.

The idea for a partnership of equals will be floated today by Mr Salmond in the first of three speeches which are intended to reposition the idea of Scottish independence in Britain, Europe and the wider world.

He is to tell the Institute of Internal Auditors in Falkirk that there should be "a new 21st-century partnership of the isles, with an independent Scotland working with Dublin and London to take forward co-operation among the nations of the British Isles in the same way as the successful Scandinavian model of the Nordic Council".

The SNP leader's comparison stresses that the countries used to be united, until Norway and Sweden split 101 years ago. "Norway, Iceland, Denmark and Sweden have been in union with one or other for much of their modern history. Like Scotland, England and Ireland, they have close ties of language, trade, family and friendship, " he will say.

"But they made the positive choice to move to independence with real partnership at its core. This is an example for Scotland and the British Isles."

The speech also draws parallels with Ireland as the example of a small, independent country that has flourished recently, without breaking its strong cultural, social and economic links with Britain.

His comments are a response to the argument put forward by Chancellor Gordon Brown in a recent lecture in which he said independence would destroy professional, business and family networks that straddle the ScotlandEngland border.

Mr Salmond is to say: "There are 800,000 Scots and 600,000 Irish living in England - similar proportions given the comparative size of Scotland and Ireland. These Irish men and women enjoy all of the same freedoms as the Scots living down south.

"Irish independence didn't end these marks of our close and special historical relationship. Of course, they should be celebrated and nurtured but they are certainly no reason Dublin should let London run its affairs. The same is true of Scotland."

The debate about constitutional change has been stepped up this week, with a speech by Jack McConnell on Tuesday rejecting the case for more Holyrood powers.

Tories are also keen to be part of the debate, favouring more change than the Labour leader.

Scottish Tory former leader David McLetchie yesterday set out the argument for a joint committee of MPs and MSPs to consider issues with complex devolved and reserved elements.

He said this would work in the case of freight transport, which was being debated at Holyrood yesterday.