David Cameron and Alex Salmond have clashed over the future of Scotland's oil and gas industry as they held rival Cabinet meetings within a few miles of each other. The Prime Minister warned that leaving the UK would harm the key sector.
First Minister Alex Salmond has described Westminster MPs as "thieves" and pledged to make sure that North Sea oil and gas work better for Scottish communities through independence.
Mr Salmond addressed a gathering in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, just a few miles away from with Prime Minister David Cameron and his Cabinet where were also visiting the north east.
"I've got some form in oil and gas as I was an energy economist before I fell among thieves, by which I mean the House of Commons and not the Scottish Parliament or the Scottish Government," Mr Salmond, a former Westminster MP, said.
He said the two Cabinets' close proximity was a "wasted opportunity" to stage a public debate between the First Minister and Prime Minister.
David Cameron is expected to claim that only the UK Government has the financial muscle to boost oil production in the North Sea.
Is it a coincide the Cabinets of both the UK and Scottish governments are meeting in Aberdeenshire on the same day? Of course not.