DAVID CAMERON was accused of "snubbing" his own St Andrew's Day reception in Downing Street last night.
More than 100 of Scotland's great and good attended the event to celebrate Scotland's contribution to the UK, but the Prime Minister was in Lithuania at a summit with other EU leaders.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Chancellor George Osborne hosted the bash instead, while it is understood that Samantha Cameron represented the Cameron family.
The Saltire flag was flown over No 10 while inside guests ate food cooked by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin.
Among those attending were Kenny Logan, the former Scottish rugby international, broadcaster Andrew Marr, entrepreneurs Michelle Mone and Duncan Bannantyne, comedian Ronnie Corbett, racing legend David Coulthard and actor John Barrowman.
The event had attracted controversy earlier when comedian Kevin Bridges and chef Nick Nairn called for a boycott. Mr Nairn accused the Prime Minister of cynical politics over the reception, just days after the Scottish Government unveiled its White Paper on independence.
Pete Wishart, the SNP MP, said: "Even the Prime Minister has decided to snub his own event."
Separately, a handful of Yes campaigners handed leaflets arguing that Westminster is "not working for Scotland" to guests as they arrived.
No 10 sources rejected claims of a snub.
Mr Cameron's spokesman said the Conservative leader planned to use the meeting in Vilnius to call for reform of free movement within the EU which, he said, would "benefit the whole of the UK", adding: "Downing Street is looking forward to marking the contributions Scots have made to the UK and the wider world."
Labour leader Ed Mili-band said he was looking forward to "celebrating that contribution with some of the men and women who are proof that we are better together".
He added: "Scots have made a huge contribution to the United Kingdom across all areas of our national life. The UK is better because Scotland is part of it."
Earlier this month Mr Nairn said: "When I first got the invitation, I thought, 'That's nice.' But I got to thinking, 'Is this just a cynical ploy by a government conducting a hearts and minds campaign?' I resent being manipulated."
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