Being a part of 'Brand Britain' is essential for Scotland’s tourism sector, according to Labour MP and current representative for Edinburgh South West Alistair Darling.

The former chancellor is currently serving as the leader of the Better Together campaign, which is calling for Scotland to say 'no' to independence in the country’s looming referendum.

Darling was speaking to mark the launch of Tourism Together, a group of people working in Scotland’s tourism industry who favour saying 'no' to the vote, which takes place in September.

Despite Scotland’s strong tourism economy backed by its own unique identity, historical landmarks and cultural offerings, Darling believes the country also benefits from being part of the UK’s international profile.

“Brand Scotland is known throughout the world. It gives us our own unique identity,” said Darling.

“But we also benefit from being part of something bigger. Brand Britain benefits us here in Scotland just as much as it does the people living elsewhere on our isles.

“The global recognition and international profile of the UK attracts people to the great tourist attractions of Scotland – from our cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh to idyllic spots like Loch Lomond and Cairngorms.

“It’s that combination, that best of both worlds, that makes Scotland’s tourism industry the success it is.”

Further opposition to Scottish independence was recently highlighted when the Scottish Tourism Alliance voted for an overwhelming ‘no’ in a mock referendum vote at the group’s annual summit, with 59 per cent claiming to be against a ‘yes’ vote.

The Labour politician also cited Scotland’s connection with the UK being pivotal in allowing tourists to travel to the country without being impeded by bureaucracy.

“Visitors come from the rest of the UK because there’s no difficulty in coming here – they’ve got the same currency, no border controls.

“We also attract a lot of visitors who come to the UK and then to Scotland, and our overseas embassies and consulates are a massive help to this industry.

“If you speak to anyone in the tourist industry they say, look, we need the strength of the UK to help us do even better in Scotland.”

The country could also become vital to the UK’s unconventional tourism plans, as details were announced recently of eight coastal sites – six of which are in Scotland – which have the potential to become home to the UK’s first spaceport to facilitate intergalactic tourism.

Scotland itself harbours hopes of a standout year for tourism in 2014, given that it is due to host international events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.