The External Affairs Secretary told the German Press Agency, in an interview reported by Saarbrucker Zeitung, that it was “realistic” that a united Ireland and an independent Scotland would be members of the EU by 2035. He said: “I think it's entirely realistic that within a decade both Scotland and a united Ireland will be part of the European Union.”But he said that Westminster would “find plenty of reasons to say: Now is not the right time”. READ MORE: Veteran SNP councillor quits party after more than 20 yearsRobertson said that Scotland sought to export its natural energy resources, adding that “we are very interested in doing this for Germany”. “But progress still needs to be made before the pipelines can be realized,” he added. The minister is in regular contact with German ministries and companies, according to the Saarbrucker Zeitung.