"Prof Howell, who is backing a Yes vote, said the geology in the area met three key requirements for having favourable conditions for the potential of a new discovery.
He acknowledged that does not necessarily mean that hydrocarbons would be found, however.
Prof Howell said: "The truth is that without drilling it is impossible to say whether oil or gas is present in the region or not.
"There are many places in the world were favourable conditions exist but hydrocarbons are not found.
"What we do know is that the only way we will ever find out is by lifting the exploration ban and then drilling wells to test the subsurface."
http://www.energyvoice.com/2014/09/scottish-independence-academic-says-firth-clyde-hold-oil-boom/