Scotland could have its own Olympic team by 2016

Should Scotland becomes independent, it will have its own Olympic and Paralympic teams at Rio 2016.

07:56 19 September 2013

Scottish Sports Minister Shona Robison is confident that Scotland will push through with its plan to have its own Olympic and Paralympic teams at Rio should the country decide for independence. This announcement was made a year before the actual referendum.

She said: "We're comfortable and assured Scotland will have its own Olympic and Paralympic team. It will bring many benefits.” She added that more Scots will be given a chance to join participate in the Olympics if Scotland will be declared independent.

However, not everyone is convinced that competing as a separate nation will be good for Scotland.  Badminton player Imogen Bankier, who played at 2012 Olympics, said: "We're lucky with the way that it stands now for Scotland.”

"We can tap into the English system and be part of Team GB when it suits us and use it our advantage. Independence would mean we would lose that. That's only going to see sports suffer."

Scotland will be declared independent if it will be recognised by the international community as an independent state, it is has solid sporting structure, and if it has at least five national federations affiliated to international federations with sports included in the Olympic programme. Robison is confident that the country meets all the criteria.