Scottish independence: Women say No to 'blokeish' First Minister Alex Salmond

Salmond: Not appealing to female voters? (AFP)

Alex Salmond's "blokeish attitude" has made him a liability among women in Scotland during the independence referendum campaign, according to one of his chief opponents.

Margaret Curran, the Shadow Scottish Secretary, said Mr Salmond is "becoming a bit of a difficulty" for the Yes campaign after he lost last Tuesday's TV debate against Alistair Darling.

The First Minister of Scotland has long been considered the 'Yes' campaign's trump card. However, a Survation poll in the wake of the debate published yesterday showed that 52 per cent of women will reject independence in the 18 September vote.

Ms Curran said this weekend: "This blokeish attitude doesn't work with people, particularly women. I don't think his recent performances have done him any favours."