IN another case of Scotland's status as a country being snubbed, the BBC has referred to both Scotland and Northern Ireland as a region. 

In a tweet about the potential tunnel between Northern Ireland and Scotland, the BBC explained that it was an "attempt to better connect the two regions". 

This drew criticism from Scots who called out the broadcaster for the word choice.

READ MORE: Letters: We need a broadcaster that sees us as a nation, not a region

The National got in touch with the BBC to ask about their wording, whether it was intentional or not. 

A BBC spokesperson said: "We think that BBC audiences are wholly familiar with Scotland’s status and that the intended meaning of the term used in this tweet will have been clear to anyone watching the accompanying BBC Newsline report."

The proposed tunnel is one of the alternatives to the "Boris bridge" which was proposed to connect the two countries to boost trade in the UK. 

READ MORE: Boris Johnson's government urged to ditch Scotland-NI tunnel plan

In the latest discussions, the option of a tunnel has been considered, with senior figures such as Alister Jack in favour of the proposals.

It has been a controversial suggestion with Scottish Transport Secretary Michael Matheson calling instead for better investment in localised transport infrastructure.