The National Union of Mineworkers has warned that plans to hike the cost of transporting natural resources could destroy Scotland's mining sector.

President of the group Nicky Wilson told the Scottish Daily Record that a 40 per cent rise in rail freight services would have a disastrous impact on the industry.

"The grave concern is the increased charges could mean it would virtually become pointless to mine coal in Scotland," he was quoted as saying.

At the moment, miners are reliant on rail network subsidies, as more than half of the coal they produce is transported to England on trains.

Scottish National Party (SNP) ministers have written to the UK government and have called for a rethink.

Clydesdale MSP Aileen Campbell said the price rises could force numerous people out of work and lead to more coal being imported.

There has also been a lot of talk about how Scotland's rail industry may be affected if the country secures independence from the UK, particularly on services that travel across the border.

A recent study by the Aslef union showed that Scottish train drivers are unanimously opposed to the SNP's proposed breakaway.