SIR KENNETH Calman, the former chief medical officer of both Scotland and England, is to chair the independent review of the Scottish Parliament's devolved powers.

He was announced this morning at a press conference at which he was flanked by Scottish Tory Annabel Goldie, Labour leader Wendy Alexander and Lib Dem Nicol Stephen.

He said that the group sees independence as "not an issue" for them to address, and said his committee's independence would mean the Prime Minister would not be able to dictate its findings. After a dispute over the title of the group, it was confirmed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown this morning that he is describing it as a Commission'. Until yesterday, he and other Whitehall ministers had insisted on describing it as a review or working group, but the commission title was confirmed when the UK Cabinet approved the initiative this morning.

Other members of the group are to be appointed within the next week or so, including representatives of the three parties taking part.

They are to produce an interim report within about six months, and then consider the timetable for producing their full report.

Sir Kenneth grew up in Glasgow and became professor of cancer medicine at Glasgow University before becoming chief medical officer in Scotland and later for England. He was chairman of the executive group of the World Health Organisation and is now chancellor of the University of Glasgow. He said at the press conference: "I see myself as part of the United Kingdom, and as a Scot within that".

Tomorrow, First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond sets out his plans for the second stage of his National Conversation on independence.