BORDER checks would take place on two major routes if Scotland gains independence, according to a government document.

That would leave around two dozen road crossings across the 154 kilometre border unchecked – including the A7 through Hawick, the A68 through Jedburgh and the A697 through Coldstream.

The issue of physical checks has been a cause for concern over the years, with businesses worrying about the flow of goods from Scotland to the rest of the UK.

On Monday (October 17) Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launched the SNP’s independence prospectus paper which sought to allay some fears over the matter.

Peeblesshire News: The Scotland-England border on the A1

The document also reiterated the Government’s commitment to seek to rejoin the European Union (EU), which would create a trade border with the rest of the UK.

She admitted the Scottish Government was still “in the process” of scoping out possible systems to minimise disruption after being challenged on possible smuggling.

Taking questions from journalists following the launch at her official residence at Bute House in Edinburgh, the First Minister said: “Are these challenges that we wish we didn’t have? Yes, but if we want to get back into the EU will all the benefits, the many benefits, that come with that, we have to overcome these challenges.

“With proper planning, the ability to do that in a way that doesn’t disrupt trade – trade between Scotland and England is important, trade between England and Scotland is important to England – but that should not be the limit of our ambitions.

“We have a market seven times the UK’s on our doorstep and we should be seeking to put the arrangements in place that allow trade across that.”

Asked about people bringing goods across the border using the other roads, the First Minister said that further detail would be made public in another paper which would deal with issues relating to the EU and would include an increased use of technology to monitor goods.

Borders MP John Lamont, of the Conservatives, said a hard border at Berwick would be "devastating" for local businesses.

"Incredibly, the SNP have now admitted that their plans for independence would mean a hard border at Berwick," said Mr Lamont, a representative for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk.

"This would be devastating for our local businesses. Experts have already said this would mean long queues on the A1 and other key routes.

"What these plans show is a complete lack of respect and understanding for how many Borderers live their life. Many businesses and individuals cross the border every single day.

"When challenged, the First Minister said that border checks were 'challenges that we wish we didn't have'."

"Well, I have great news for her. We don't need to go through those huge challenges at all. We can reject the SNP's latest referendum push, just as we have before."