Following the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury, which the Prime Minister labelled an “indiscriminate and reckless act against the United Kingdom,” Scotland’s First Minister tweeted a “firm response” was required and that “Russia simply cannot be allowed to launch attacks on our streets with impunity.”

The remarks attracted criticism on social media, with Ms Sturgeon accused of hypocrisy, supporting a political rival, and ‘war-mongering’.

Some within the SNP believe that many of the messages on Twitter are not real nationalist supporters, but trolls acting on behalf of the Russian government, attempting to encourage dissent, abuse and hatred.

Exactly right. Cool heads certainly required but also a firm response. Russia simply cannot be allowed to launch attacks on our streets with impunity. https://t.co/pWvurQ2XhM

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 12, 2018

The SNP’s International Affairs spokesman at Westminster, Stephen Gethins, told the Sunday Herald: “Having worked in the former Soviet Union, I’m under no pretence as to what Russia is capable of. It’s not something that would surprise me as that is the way they have targeted human rights activists and journalists. In terms of human rights activists, journalists and politicians, Russia is one of the most dangerous places to be.”

Used to Online Abuse

SNP MEP Alyn Smith questioned the veracity of messages on Twitter after the First Minister said, “Russia’s action would not be tolerated.”

Mr Smith said, “As a vocal anti-Brexit politician I am used to receiving online abuse.”

“I know what Scottish abuse sounds like and some of the abuse I have received lately has been in poor English, in sentences constructed poorly with insults that are used in a way that no Scot would use.

“I’ve voiced concerns before about the conduct of discourse in Scotland, but I’m increasingly alarmed that the worst elements of Scottish discourse are not Scottish at all, but orchestrated from elsewhere.

“I do not want to see the Yes movement played by Putin. Some of the abuse that Nicola has had doesn’t look right. In the last couple of days a lot of the stuff doesn’t ring true.”

Black Propaganda

SNP MSP and former cabinet minister Alex Neil said “It’s very clear that the Russian state is engaging in black propaganda and fake news that seeks to spread disillusionment and chaos.

“It’s all part of a new Russian strategy and information war. There is an attempt by Putin to create a new Cold War. But instead of using tanks and military equipment, it’s attacks are via information that are aimed at causing chaos.”