Yes. Scotland is one of the wealthiest nations in the world. In terms of our total economic output per head we ranked eighth out of the 34 developed countries in the OECD in 2011. We raise more tax and our public finances have been stronger than the UK as a whole over the past 30 years.

Despite all these strengths, many families in Scotland are struggling to make ends meet. We are a wealthy country and yet the full benefit of our vast wealth is not felt by the people who live and work here. With independence, we can make sure Scotland’s wealth and resources work better for the people of Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Scottish Government believes that independence is the key to economic success. Scotland needs control over economic and fiscal powers to unlock our potential, boost growth and create sustainable, fairly-rewarded jobs.

Full control of the most effective levers of growth – such as tax, welfare and regulation – will allow Scotland to develop policies designed to deliver sustainable economic growth.

Scotland is already a wealthy nation, but the full benefit of that wealth is not felt by people across the country. With independence, we can turn our rich country into a prosperous society, with the many strengths of our economy delivering more for the people who live and work here.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The Bank of England is the central bank for Scotland, as well as for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It was formally nationalised in 1946 and is therefore an institution and asset owned both by Scotland and the rest of the UK.

For day-to-day monetary policy, the Bank of England is operationally independent of government. It currently sets monetary policy according to the economic conditions across the UK as a whole. The Scottish Government supports the Fiscal Commission proposals that, after independence, monetary policy would be set by the Bank of England according to economic conditions across the entire Sterling Area and that the Bank should be accountable to both Scotland and the rest of the UK through a shareholder agreement.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

We propose that the pound Sterling will continue to be the currency of an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. The current Scottish Government is clear that Sterling should continue to be the currency of an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

With independence, Scotland will have full control over fiscal policy, with full powers on taxes, spending and borrowing. Currently, the Scottish Parliament is responsible for just 7 per cent of taxes raised in Scotland. Even with the new tax powers of the Scotland Act, this figure will only increase to around 15 per cent. Only with independence will Scotland have full control over 100 per cent of tax revenue and fiscal policy.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Day-to-day monetary policy would be decided independently of government by the Bank of England as it is now, taking account of economic conditions across the Sterling Area. The Scottish Government would seek formal input into the governance and remit of the Bank of England.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

A shared currency is in the economic interests of both Scotland and the rest of the UK, as key trading partners. It will make it easier for people and companies to go about their business across the two countries.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independent countries around the world share currencies. Countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands do not have their own currency but are independent, and control their own resources.

This approach makes sense for Scotland and the rest of the UK, because it will make it easier for us to trade with each other and will also mean that things like our mortgages and pensions will continue to be paid in pounds and pence, just as they are today.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland is the second largest export market for the rest of the UK. It would be damaging to jobs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to the economy of the rest of the UK, if Scotland did not continue to use the pound. It is estimated that the rest of the UK exported £59 billion to Scotland in 2012 – trade that supports tens of thousands of jobs elsewhere on these islands.

Continuing to share the pound with Scotland will also be beneficial for the value of Sterling. The Sterling Area’s balance of payments will be supported by Scotland’s broad range of assets and exports, including North Sea oil and gas. North Sea oil and gas production boosted the UK’s balance of payments by £39 billion in 2012/13.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scottish banknotes will continue to be issued as at present.

Currently Scottish banknotes are issued by three authorised commercial banks in Scotland and are fully backed by Sterling balances held at the Bank of England – meaning they are recognised and accepted as being of equal value to Bank of England notes.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. An independent Scotland would be one of the top ten richest countries in the OECD – ranking eighth amongst the 34 member countries in terms of GDP per person, compared to the UK which would rank 17th.

The Scottish Government believes in independence because we want to turn this economic strength into tangible gains for individuals and families.

Five of the seven countries that would rank above Scotland in the OECD are small independent nations, such as Norway, with many similarities to Scotland. With the skills and natural resources at our disposal we have the potential to grow faster and in a more sustainable manner.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The UK national debt is expected to peak at 86 per cent of UK GDP, almost £1.6 trillion in 2016/17.

The national debt could be apportioned by reference to the historic contribution made to the UK’s public finances by Scotland. Using 1980 as the base year, Scotland’s historic share of the UK national debt in 2016/17 is projected to be approximately £100 billion. This is equivalent to 55 per cent of Scottish GDP.

Other methods for dividing responsibility for the national debts would produce different results. For example the Fiscal Commission’s first report looked at an apportionment based on population. On this basis, Scotland’s notional share of UK debt in 2016/17 is projected to be approximately £130 billion, equivalent to approximately 75 per cent of GDP – still less than the UK.

Under any realistic scenario, Scotland’s projected share of the UK debt as a percentage of Scotland’s GDP will be less than the debt of the rest of the UK expressed in the same terms.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence will bring the important decisions about the economy – including responsible borrowing to fund growth – to the Scottish Government and Parliament. It will allow decisions to be made in the interests of the people of Scotland and be based on Scotland’s strengths and opportunities.

The most effective way to reduce national debt is by increasing sustainable economic growth, a priority of the current Scottish Government.

Independence will bring the important decisions about the economy – including responsible borrowing to fund growth – to the Scottish Government and Parliament. It will allow decisions to be made in the interests of the people of Scotland and be based on Scotland’s strengths and opportunities.

The most effective way to reduce national debt is by increasing sustainable economic growth, a priority of the current Scottish Government.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland is endowed with significant oil and gas reserves. The tax revenues from these, which currently go to the UK Treasury, would remain in Scotland, generating significant tax revenues for Scotland.

But Scotland’s economy is not dependent on oil and gas. Oil and gas revenue makes up a smaller part of Scotland’s economy than is the case for other oil producing countries. For example, over the period 2000/01 to 2011/12, oil and gas revenues accounted for 15 per cent of Scotland’s overall tax income, compared to 30 per cent for Norway.

Without offshore oil activity, GDP per person in Scotland is 99 per cent of the UK average (within the UK, only London and the South East have higher levels of GDP per capita). This rises to about 120 per cent when a geographic share of North Sea output is included.

The position is similar for tax receipts, with estimated onshore tax receipts per person in Scotland broadly in line with the UK, but £1,700 per person higher than the UK average with the inclusion of offshore revenues.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

We propose that, and as recommended by the Fiscal Commission, an independent Scotland should establish a Scottish Energy Fund to stabilise revenues in the short-term and to ensure that a proportion of oil and gas tax receipts are invested for the long-term benefit of the people of Scotland.

The decisions of successive Westminster governments to spend Scottish oil revenues rather than investing a proportion of them represent a major lost opportunity. Norway began transferring money into its oil fund in 1996. The fund is now worth £470 billion, equivalent to around £90,000 per person in Norway, and is the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world.

Analysis by the Fiscal Commission concluded that, had it used its oil wealth to establish an oil fund in 1980, Scotland could have eliminated its share of UK public sector net debt by 1982/83. By 2011/12 Scotland could have accumulated financial assets of between £82 billion and £116 billion. That would be equivalent to between 55 per cent and 78 per cent of GDP.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Not at all. Scotland has a mixed and varied economy that supports employment right across the country. Scotland’s economy is diverse, with key strengths across a range of sectors such as food and drink, tourism, creative industries, life sciences, universities, financial services and manufacturing.

Oil and gas revenue makes up a smaller part of Scotland’s economy than is the case for other oil producing countries. For example, over the period 2000/01 to 2011/12, oil and gas revenues accounted for 15 per cent of Scotland’s overall tax income, compared to 30 per cent for Norway.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The UK tax system is one of the most complicated in the world. With independence Scotland will have the ability to develop a simpler tax system that is better suited to our economy.

With its current powers, the Scottish Parliament has frozen council tax and delivered the most competitive business rates in the UK. The current Scottish Government has already legislated to replace UK Stamp Duty Land Tax with a new and fairer Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and has made clear its intention to use the opportunities of independence to reduce Air Passenger Duty and Corporation Tax to boost the economy.

Independence will make the Scottish Parliament responsible for its own finances and will provide access to the key economic levers, including taxation, to give Scotland the opportunity to develop policies to stimulate the economy, sustain Scotland’s public services and build social cohesion.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

On independence, Scotland will inherit the tax system and the prevailing UK rates and thresholds for all taxes. Decisions on specific taxes – including tax rates, allowances and credits – will be made by the Parliament and Government of an independent Scotland. For the first time ever there will be a guarantee that taxes will be set by a government that has the support of the people of Scotland.

Independence will provide the Scottish Government and Parliament with the powers to set tax rates and thresholds which are right for Scotland, allowing Scottish Ministers to develop policies that will deliver sustainable economic growth and a fair society.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Detailed policies on tax and spending will be set out in party manifestos for the 2016 election and thereafter in the first budget in an independent Scotland. There is no requirement to increase the general rate of taxation to pay for the services we currently enjoy in Scotland.

The current Scottish Government’s approach to tax is focused on fairness and economic growth. In Chapter 3 of this paper we set out our early priorities for taxation, were we to form the first government of an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

In 2011/12, Scotland contributed £56.9 billion in tax revenue to the UK including a geographic share of North Sea oil. This is the equivalent of £10,700 per person and compares to £9,000 per person in the UK as a whole.

Scotland is estimated to have paid more tax than in the UK as a whole every year since 1980/81, averaging over £1,350 a year higher over that period when adjusted for inflation.rities for taxation, were we to form the first government of an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Initially on independence, you will continue to pay your tax and receive tax credits in the same way as you do now. Behind the scenes, we will be working to transition the administration of the tax system to Revenue Scotland, the Scottish tax authority, with a view to making the system simpler and more efficient for the taxpayer.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence will enable the Scottish Parliament to set all taxes in a way which stimulates economic growth, sustains the public services of Scotland and builds social cohesion. The design of a tax system will be decided by the elected Government and Parliament of an independent Scotland.

The Scottish Government is already reforming aspects of the Scottish taxation system with the new powers devolved by the Scotland Act 2012. This process has been informed by the knowledge and participation of a range of experts and representatives of civic Scotland. The current Scottish Government plans to follow this model of collaborative tax policy development to design a simpler Scottish tax system to replace the complex UK tax code.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The opportunity to create a tax system that is less cumbersome and less open to avoidance is a benefit of independence. The Scottish Government is setting up a tax authority in Scotland, Revenue Scotland, which will provide the foundations for a tax administration system for all taxes in Scotland. Revenue Scotland will be collecting devolved taxes from April 2015.

There will be a transition phase after independence where, by agreement with HM Revenue & Customs, taxes would continue to be collected through existing HMRC systems. Scotland specific arrangements will be put in place for the collection of all taxes in Scotland as quickly as possible

Following independence we plan to build on the recommendations of the Fiscal Commission report on tax. These include deploying modern technologies, such as online filing. Over the course of the first independent Parliament, the Scottish Government and Revenue Scotland would work together to pursue opportunities for simplification of taxes and tax collection, with the aim of collecting up to £250 million a year of additional revenues, without increasing tax rates.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Scottish Parliament will have formal legal responsibility for all taxes upon independence. The Scottish Government will make arrangements that will maximise its discretion over the tax system while HMRC continue to collect tax revenues for a transitional phase.

After the transition, Revenue Scotland will collect all taxes in Scotland. We plan that the collection system for personal taxes in Scotland will be in place within the first term of the Scottish Parliament in an independent Scotland.

We will maintain stability of collection for business taxes while we carry out fundamental work with businesses to implement a streamlined collection system.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The UK tax system is complex and costly. It is widely accepted that there is considerable room for improvement in its design and operation.

Revenue Scotland, working with Registers of Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, will set up the necessary administrative systems for Land and Buildings Transaction Tax and Scottish Landfill Tax and cover the basic cost of administration for the first five years of operation for £16.7 million. This is 25 per cent less than HMRC estimated for the cost of setting up and operating for five years in Scotland like-for-like equivalents of Stamp Duty Land Tax and UK Landfill Tax.

Building on that, we will create a tax system in Scotland that is simpler and costs less to administer than the current UK system.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The process of becoming independent will not, in itself, change the tax you pay. There is no requirement to increase the general rate of taxation to pay for the services we currently enjoy in Scotland.

As is the case in any country, overall tax levels will be set by the government and parliament of the day in response to the needs of the economy and the public services that the Scottish people want.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

In the interconnected global economy many companies already operate across a number of different countries without difficulty. The Scottish Government has made clear its intention to ensure an independent Scotland remains an attractive and competitive place to do business.

The Scotland Act 2012 means that by 2016, whatever the result of the referendum, there will be differences between the tax systems in Scotland and the rest of the UK. Preparations are in hand to make sure that administration is as simple as possible for businesses in Scotland and elsewhere.

Following a vote for independence, the Scottish Government will seek a double taxation agreement with the Westminster Government. It will be in the interests of both Scotland and the rest of the UK to ensure that cross-border tax affairs for companies and individuals operating in both jurisdictions are as fair and simple as possible.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The Scottish Government is committed to a tax system that will ensure fairness for cross-border taxpayers, including those due to pay tax in both Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

An independent Scotland will signal its intention to adhere to all international tax treaties in force between the UK and third party states, so that these treaties can continue in force between Scotland and that state. This was what happened, for example, when the Czech Republic and Slovakia adopted the double taxation agreement between the United Kingdom and Czechoslovakia in 1993.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

At the moment of independence, Scotland will inherit the tax system and the prevailing UK rates and thresholds for all taxes, including tax reliefs. Thereafter decisions on the tax system and all specific taxes – including tax rates, allowances and credits – will be made by the Parliament and Government of an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Scottish Government has committed to match the poundage for business rates in England for the rest of this parliamentary term. The Scottish Government is also delivering the most competitive business rates regime in the UK with our support for the Small Business Bonus, which currently helps 92,000 businesses.

Our policy is that taxes in Scotland should be competitive to create an attractive business environment, while ensuring that companies pay their fair share of taxes.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

With independence we will examine the benefits of introducing a fuel duty regulator mechanism to stabilise prices for business and consumers.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Scottish Government will build on the existing definition set out in the Scotland Act 2012 and general international protocols to establish a definition of a Scottish taxpayer based on residence. In general, this means that people who live in Scotland for most of the year will pay their taxes here. Where people split their time between Scotland and other countries, including England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there will be clear rules set out in statute to determine which tax authority they pay their taxes to.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

A priority of all governments is to ensure that there is no further banking crisis. Improvements to financial regulation and crisis management are taking place in the UK, the EU and globally. The emerging system reduces risk of exposure to the taxpayer. For example, in the UK, the most risky and speculative financial activities will be separated from retail and high street banking following the recommendations of the Vickers Report.

If in the future wider support from governments is required to stabilise the financial system, this would be coordinated through the governance arrangements agreed between the governments of the Sterling Area.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. An independent Scotland will comply with EU rules to provide a deposit guarantee of a minimum of €100,000 (£85,000).

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The UK Green Investment Bank plc was created in 2012 as a UK funding institution to attract funds for the financing of the private sector’s investments related to environmental preservation and improvement. Under our plans, the Green Investment Bank will continue to be shared between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK and continue to be headquartered in Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

In the Sterling Area, lender of last resort arrangements for financial institutions will continue to operate on a common basis across Scotland and the rest of the UK. This will reflect the reality of our integrated financial system. The Bank of England, as the institution responsible for financial stability, will continue to play its role in the effective functioning of the banking system using its operations under the Sterling Monetary Framework.

Banks receive lender of last resort facilities from across the world, and it is normal for countries to act in a coordinated way to secure financial stability. For example, the RBS and Barclays received significant liquidity support from the US Federal Reserve at the height of the financial crisis.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Countries of a comparable size to Scotland, such as Norway, Finland and Sweden, currently enjoy very low levels of borrowing costs through careful management of the public finances. We expect Scotland to have the top credit rating.

To manage debt and borrowing, Scotland will establish a debt management function.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The cost of government borrowing will reflect the underlying fundamentals of the economy. Scotland has a strong economy and is in a stronger fiscal position than the rest of the UK. For example, it is estimated that the total amount of tax raised per person in Scotland, including North Sea taxes, has been higher than the equivalent figure for the UK in every single year since 1980/81.

In order to keep borrowing costs low, a government must have clear and credible commitments to maintain sustainable levels of public sector debt. Scotland is well placed, therefore, to have a top credit rating and government borrowing will be undertaken in an affordable and sustainable manner.

Although the expectation would be that Scotland will receive the top credit rating, the example of the UK, which has lost its triple-A rating without a subsequent meaningful increase in borrowing costs, demonstrates that the most important factors are the fundamental strengths and assets of the Scottish economy.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence will allow Scotland to design policies on tax, spending and regulation for the particular needs of the Scottish economy, to support the growth and innovation that will deliver prosperity and jobs.

All developed economies need to address the challenges posed by changing social and economic circumstances. Scotland, with its strong asset base and skilled workforce, will be in a strong position to face these challenges.

Spending on social protection (on things like welfare benefits and pensions), as a share of GDP, has been lower in Scotland than in the UK in each of the past five years – and lower than in the majority of EU-15 countries during 2011.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland’s deficit is forecast to fall to between 1.6 per cent and 2.4 per cent of GDP in 2016/17 with a historic share of UK debt and to be between 2.5 per cent and 3.2 per cent of GDP if we take on a population share of UK public sector debt. The Office of Budget Responsibility forecasts that the UK will run a deficit of 3.4 per cent of GDP in the same year. The IMF estimates that the average deficit across the G7 economies will be 3.2 per cent in 2016. Based on this approach, the net fiscal balance for an independent Scotland in 2016/17 is therefore forecast to be better than for the UK as a whole.

When assessing a country’s finances an important figure to consider is the current budget balance. This measures the degree to which current taxpayers meet the cost of paying for the public services they consume today and includes a contribution to debt interest payments. If a country is running near to a current budget balance or surplus it may still have to borrow to fund capital expenditure. However, such borrowing will be for long term investment which can be expected to increase the economy’s productive capacity in future years. Such borrowing can therefore be part of a sustainable approach to managing public finances.

Assuming a share of debt interest payments based upon Scotland’s historic contribution to the UK public finances, Scotland’s Current Budget Balance is estimated to be between 0.1 per cent (i.e. a surplus) and -0.7 per cent of GDP in 2016/17. Assuming a population share of debt interest payments, Scotland’s current budget balance in 2016/17 is projected to be between -0.8 per cent and -1.5 per cent of GDP. This compares to a forecast for the UK as a whole of -1.9 per cent.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

With independence, the Scottish Government and Parliament will have control over the full suite of economic levers, including taxation, business regulation, infrastructure and investment.

The government of an independent Scotland will be able to create a more supportive, competitive and dynamic business environment.

Within the powers currently available the Scottish Government is pursuing a range of actions supporting sustainable economic growth and higher quality jobs, including the Small Business Bonus Scheme, supporting Foreign Direct Investment, the Scottish Investment Bank and investment in infrastructure.

With independence, future Scottish Governments will be able to develop these policies further to enable Scotland’s businesses to reach their full potential. Future Scottish governments will have the ability to make choices over tax, use measures to boost innovation and exports, promote good industrial relations and support small and medium enterprises.

For example, corporation tax rates remain an important tool for securing that competitive advantage. Following independence we will announce a timetable for a reduction in the corporation tax rate of up to three percentage points. Modelling has already suggested that such a cut could increase the level of output by 1.4 per cent, boost overall employment in Scotland by 1.1 per cent (equivalent to 27,000 jobs) and raise overall investment in the Scottish economy by 1.9 per cent over the long term.

Other key policies to support business that we plan to introduce include:

• supporting investment, including research and development

• strengthening the role of the Scottish Investment Bank

• expanding skill development, bringing together employment and skills policies and putting modern apprenticeships at the heart of our approach

• expanding manufacturing, with a particular focus on manufacturing opportunities through the development of our offshore energy potential

• targeted use of loan guarantees

• reduce Air Passenger Duty by 50 per cent to boost international connections

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The rest of the UK is Scotland’s main trading partner and this will continue following independence.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Firms and institutions based in Scotland will continue to operate across UK and EU markets.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scotland will maintain its trading relationships as an independent member of the European Union. As an EU member state Scotland will continue to benefit from participation in the World Trade Organisation and other relevant international trade organisations.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence will enable the Scottish Government to focus investment in Scotland’s overseas representation in ways that will deliver key gains for Scotland’s economy, including more targeted support for companies wishing to export for the first time or increase their existing level of exporting.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. As an independent member of the EU, Scotland will have a seat at the top table in the European Institutions. This will enable the Scottish Government to better promote our economic and social interests in EU affairs.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence will have no impact on Scottish companies’ ability to make a public share offering. Companies from any country can be listed on a stock exchange provided that they meet the criteria of that exchange.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Businesses and individuals in an independent Scotland will retain access to capital markets in the UK and globally. For example, around 2,500 companies from over 70 jurisdictions are listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. In the Sterling Area, existing domestic and global systems and infrastructure would continue to facilitate Sterling-based transactions

Global trading activity in any stock will remain as it is now, and continue to depend on the market on which that particular company’s stock was traded.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Under EU public procurement law, Scottish firms will continue to have access to procurement opportunities across Europe. Independence will give Scotland our own voice in the EU in order to secure improvements for business. At home we will continue the distinctive Scottish approach to generate training and employment opportunities through public procurement.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Under EU law, this is not allowed.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

A country’s people are its greatest asset and it is vital that everyone in Scotland has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Well rewarded and sustained employment is the best route out of poverty and to tackle inequality.

The actions outlined in Chapter 3 are designed to improve job opportunities and long-term economic resilience. With independence, we will focus on creating better work opportunities, with the aim of creating maximum employment for the entire workforce for the long-term success of Scotland’s economy.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Nothing will change as a result of independence. Employers based in the rest of the UK, or further afield, will be able to continue operating in Scotland, and people employed by them will not notice any difference. Today, around 16 per cent of Scotland’s private sector employees work for enterprises that are owned outside the UK.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The minimum wage has failed to increase in line with inflation in almost a decade. In every single year since the recession of 2008 the minimum wage has failed to keep up with the cost of living. If it had, some of the lowest paid Scots would be earning the equivalent of £675 more.

We plan that the minimum wage will rise at least in line with inflation.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The current Scottish Government fully supports the Living Wage campaign and its principle of encouraging employers to reward their staff fairly. We have led by example by ensuring all staff covered by the public sector pay policy are paid the Scottish Living Wage. This covers the 180,000 people in Scotland working for central government, its agencies and the NHS

This is part of the Scottish Government’s “social wage” – the contract between the people of Scotland and their Government. Our commitment to support the Scottish Living Wage for the duration of this Parliament is a decisive, long-term commitment to those on the lowest incomes. However, over 400,000 people in Scotland are working for less than the living wage and the majority of these are women.

A priority for action in an independent Scotland for the current Scottish Government would be to fund the Poverty Alliance to deliver a Living Wage Accreditation Scheme to promote the living wage and increase the number of private companies that pay it to make decent pay the norm in our country. We will continue to support and promote the living wage if Scotland becomes independent.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The view of the Scottish Government is that in order to build a fairer and more prosperous Scotland we need to combine employment law that protects the rights of employees with a regulatory regime that encourages companies to grow and create jobs.

A partnership approach to addressing labour market challenges is important. The Scottish Government has already, within the devolved settlement, adopted a strong social partnership approach, working with the voluntary sector, unions, employer associations and employers directly. We will continue that approach after independence, for example by ensuring that there is high quality, readily available childcare supporting parents to find sustained employment and the use of active labour market policies to get people into good quality, sustainable work. This is particularly important for supporting young people into the labour market.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The laws that are in place immediately before independence would remain in place on independence. After that, decisions on specific laws, including in relation to employment, will be made by the Parliament and Government of an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

While each element of employment regulation has individual impacts, taken together as a system, they need to balance the twin objectives of protecting the rights of employees and encouraging companies to grow and create good quality jobs. The current Scottish Government would reverse recent changes introduced at Westminster which reduce key aspects of workers’ rights. For example on independence we will restore a 90 days consultation period for redundancies affecting 100 or more employees.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Companies base their decisions on where to locate their headquarters on a range of factors. Many successful companies are already headquartered in Scotland, benefiting from our highly skilled workforce. We believe that the economic benefits that independence will bring will further enhance the attraction of Scotland

With independence, Scotland will be able to send a clear signal that it is one of the most competitive and attractive economies in Europe, with tax rates designed to boost economic activity and support the fast-growing industries that already have a comparative advantage here in Scotland. Corporation tax rates remain an important tool for securing that competitive advantage and for offsetting competitive advantages enjoyed by other parts of the UK, notably London. We plan to announce a timetable for a reduction in Corporation tax rate of up to three percentage points.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. “Britain” is a geographical term and, as such, businesses could choose to continue to refer to themselves as “British” if they wished. However, “Scotland” and “Scottish” already have strong international brand recognition associated with quality goods and services and innovation. This has resulted in Scotland’s brand being regarded highly in measurement tools such as the Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brands Index (NBI). Independence also provides us with opportunities to grow Scotland as a brand.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Intellectual property will continue to be protected. As an EU member state, Scotland will meet European regulations and directives on IP rights protection, as well as international patent and trademark protections.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Independence will allow Scotland to offer a simpler, cheaper and more business-friendly model than the current UK one which is seen as bureaucratic and expensive, especially for small firms. The UK is one of very few EU countries which does not offer a “second tier”, or “utility” protection scheme which covers the basics of IP protection and is cheaper and quicker to access. Scotland could follow, for example, the German utility model which is more a protection of technical innovations.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The current Scottish Government proposes that this scheme will continue on independence. Future decisions on the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme will be made by the Government of an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence will allow future Scottish governments to explore new approaches to encourage higher levels of equity financing and venture capital, responding to the needs of Scottish SMEs and building on the significant private sector partners in place under the Scottish Co-investment Fund and Scottish Venture Fund.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Innovation policy alone cannot deliver a wholesale increase in innovation activity and impact. It needs to interact effectively with other policies, such as tax, business regulations and environmental policies. Independence will enable the Scottish Government to integrate approaches across public policy to provide better support for the commercialisation of research.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scottish consumers will continue to have the same rights as they currently do, and there will continue to be organisations that offer consumers help and advice when they need it. Independence will enable the Scottish Parliament to tailor consumer protection legislation for Scotland. We have published our full proposals for consumer protection, which are laid out in the paper Consumer Protection and Representation in an Independent Scotland: Options.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. We propose that in an independent Scotland there will be:

• a single consumer body, which would advocate for consumers’ interests, as well as provide information and education for general consumer matters and regulated industries

• local community hubs, overseen by the consumer body, where consumers could go to ask for help and receive advice on more than just the consumer issues initially raised – a consumer who is struggling to meet energy bills may, for example, have related, underlying financial or employment issues

• a more efficient model of trading standards, so that the same level of service exists and the same rules apply, no matter where a consumer lives or a business operates

• a single ombudsman for consumers to turn to when they cannot resolve disputes with traders, so that they can quickly and easily seek redress without going through the courts

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Under this Government’s proposals, Scottish consumers will be able to receive personalised advice by phone, online, or face-to-face, and while we will take advantage digital technology, we will continue to help those consumers who cannot easily use or access such technology.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

With independence, the Scottish Government will be able to act on issues that are of particular concern for Scottish consumers, such as pay day lending and nuisance calls. For example, this Government would introduce a cap on short-term interest rates, similar to those in place in many countries in Europe, Japan, Canada and some US states. The current Scottish Government plans to regulate the advertising of pay day lenders and place restrictions on the ‘rolling over’ of loans.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. As an EU member state, an independent Scotland will continue to meet all EU consumer requirements, including those covering cross-border transactions. The current Scottish Government intends to set up an EU Consumer Centre, and consumers will be able to go there for help when they have problems with goods bought from other EU countries.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scotland will continue to meet all EU rules and regulations designed to ensure competitive markets, and we will set up a competition authority to ensure these rules are applied.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The EU Single Market ensures that products can be sold across borders. Under the European Single European Market, consumers should be able to choose products and services which have been designed by companies anywhere in the EU.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

In an independent Scotland mortgages rates will continue to be based on the interest rate set by the Bank of England, which in a Sterling Area will be exactly the same for Scotland as for the rest of the UK, just as it is now.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes, Scotland will inherit these and similar schemes from the date of independence. Thereafter decisions on specific schemes and support structures – such as Real Estate Investment Trusts – will be made by the Parliament and Government of an independent Scotland. The current Scottish Government recognises the positive impacts of such schemes.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Where you have financial products with companies, like banks, these arrangements will continue. Within the Sterling Area, your current account or savings accounts, or your credit cards and mortgages, will continue to be based on the Bank of England base rate which will be the same across the Sterling Area.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. In an independent Scotland business and personal customers will continue to have access to banks and banking services in the same way as they do now.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. An independent Scotland will have effective protection for bank deposits and other financial products, maintaining the level of protection currently provided by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. An independent Scotland will comply with EU rules to provide a deposit guarantee of a minimum of €100,000 (£85,000).

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The existing system will continue on independence.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

None. As a matter of common sense the current time zone will be retained.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Governments of an independent Scotland will be able to use welfare powers to deliver a system that helps people into work and protects the vulnerable.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Benefits to which people are entitled will continue to be paid in exactly the same way as they are now.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The current Scottish Government proposes that the further roll-out of Universal Credit and the Personal Independence Payment should be stopped. Following a vote for independence, we will ask Westminster to halt the roll-out of Universal Credit and the Personal Independence Payment in Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. We plan that, on independence, there will be a transitional period when the Scottish and Westminster Governments will share the administration and delivery of benefits and State Pensions. It is in both countries’ interests that this should happen.

Following independence, the immediate priorities will be to reverse the most damaging and counterproductive of the UK welfare changes. We propose to:

• abolish the “bedroom tax” within the first year of the first independent Scottish Parliament

• halt the further rollout of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments in Scotland

• ensure that benefits and tax credits increase in line with inflation to avoid the poorest families falling further into poverty

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scotland will inherit the Jobcentre structure and its functions but the Scottish Government and Parliament will have powers to look at welfare to work programmes in a different way, enabling them to develop a new approach to supporting people based on joint rights and responsibilities and a culture of respect.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

On independence our proposals mean you will continue to receive benefit payments and tax credits in the same way as you do now. Becoming independent will not, in itself, change your entitlement. However, future Scottish governments can choose to do things differently from the rest of the UK. For example, this Government will stop the damaging changes to our welfare system being introduced by Westminster, including scrapping the “bedroom tax” and stopping the roll out of Universal Credit.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. We will make sure that independence does not disrupt benefits payments, and that existing claims will continue as now.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. Scotland becoming independent will not result in a need for reassessment.

We propose that, on independence and for the transitional period, the benefits system will continue to be administered in the same way as it is now. Once Scotland establishes its own distinct system, the Scottish Government will be able to review the application process we inherit.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

At the moment, the UK rules for benefits entitlement vary depending on which country you move from. These rules will continue to apply in an independent Scotland until such times as the Parliament of an independent Scotland decides to change them.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

On independence and for the transitional period, the Scottish Government proposes that the administration of the benefits system will continue to work in the same way as it does now. Governments in an independent Scotland will be able to review the application process we inherit.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

We intend that people living in Scotland and in receipt of Disability Living Allowance will not be migrated to Personal Independence Payment.

We have also committed to abolishing the “bedroom tax”, saving 82,500 households in Scotland – including 63,500 households with disabilities and 15,500 households with children – an average of £50 per month.

In addition, this Government proposes to launch an urgent review of the conditionality and sanctions regime, and review the system of assessments for disability benefits. Then, as the new independent benefits system is developed, we will work with disabled people and others with an interest in how to improve things further.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Where people can work they should work. Work is important for people’s health and wellbeing, as much as for their economic position. This Government is committed to seeing an independent Scotland improve support for people that are out of work and create a welfare to work plan that is based on an individual’s circumstances and on the support they need to move towards, and into, sustainable work.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

During the transitional period, the benefits forms will remain the same.

When Scotland has its own welfare system, the government in an independent Scotland will be able to review the application process to make it simpler.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The first government of an independent Scotland can start to plan for major changes during the transitional period, with a view to implementing them after the transitional period ends, which this Scottish Government intends should be in 2018.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

We accept the Expert Working Group on Welfare’s recommendation that there should be a transitional period of shared administration for delivery of benefit payments. As highlighted by the Group, this offers the best arrangement in the short-term. It also ensures continuity of payments for millions of benefit recipients elsewhere in the UK whose applications and payments are currently processed in Scotland. However, it is our intention that such a system of shared administration will last only until 2018 and be organised in such a way that will:

• allow the first government of an independent Scotland to introduce its priorities for change from 2016

• allow that government also to begin work towards creating a welfare system that better reflects Scotland’s priorities and needs

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scotland spends proportionally less on welfare and State Pensions than the UK as a whole. Spending on social protection as a share of overall spending is estimated to have been lower in Scotland for each year of the past five years.

Scotland’s Balance Sheet demonstrates that social protection expenditure, which includes welfare payments and State Pensions, accounted for 14.4 per cent of our economic output (GDP) in Scotland compared to 15.9 per cent in the UK as a whole in 2011/12.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

It is our intention that a system of shared administration will last until 2018.

The Scottish Government understands people’s concerns about the changes Westminster is bringing in. That is why we propose to give Westminster immediate notice, after a vote for independence, that further roll-out of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment should be stopped in Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

During a transitional period, Scotland will start to develop a welfare system better suited to Scottish needs and priorities.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The political parties will put forward their proposals for the people of Scotland to consider in the 2016 election. That means decisions on the future shape of our welfare state will be taken by the elected representatives of the people of Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The longer-term demographic challenge of an ageing population affects every western country, including Scotland and the UK as a whole. The particular challenge Scotland faces is projected lower growth in our working-age population, although Scotland's total dependency ratio (working age population compared to pensioners and children) is projected to be more advantageous than the UK's for at least 15 years. The Government Economic Strategy sets out a target to match average European (EU-15) population growth over the period from 2007 to 2017, supported by increased healthy life expectancy in Scotland over this period. What is clear is that this challenge is best addressed in an independent Scotland. An independent Scotland can address population growth by creating new opportunities for young people to build their careers and families within Scotland, and through action to attract people to Scotland the right people with the right skills – either Scots who have moved away or new migrants.

These matters are currently reserved to Westminster, which has different priorities for the UK economy and migration, so without independence, Scotland will not have the mechanisms to address its projected demographic issues.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland does spend proportionately more on disability-related benefits than the UK as a whole. But this needs to be set against other areas, such as housing benefit, where we spend less. Overall, welfare is more affordable in Scotland.

Scotland is the eighth wealthiest nation in the developed world in terms of GDP per head, which means we have the money we need to support our most vulnerable people. As an independent country, we will be able to choose how to spend our money, based on the needs and values of the Scottish people, not on choices made at Westminster. The current Scottish Government’s approach will continue to be that Scotland should prioritise spending on protecting vulnerable citizens over spending on policies that we do not agree with.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Asylum seekers and immigrants will have access to the welfare system. On independence, existing UK rules will apply. With Scotland continuing as a member of the European Union, the rules on free movement of labour within Europe will also still apply.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Our proposals include a commitment to abolish the “bedroom tax” if elected as the government of an independent Scotland.

This will happen within a year of the first election to the Parliament of an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. We can only deal with an issue as complex as poverty with access to the full range of powers available to an independent country. Future Scottish governments can choose to do things differently from the UK.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The NHS is already the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament. The process of becoming independent will not change the way you receive your health care. You’ll still be able to visit your GP and local hospital as now.

NHS Scotland already operates independently in Scotland. NHS Scotland has been the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament since devolution in 1999.

The Scottish Government’s vision for the NHS in Scotland is to maintain our publicly owned, publicly funded health service providing care free at the point of delivery.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scotland has taken a very different approach from that in England. The Scottish Government has categorically ruled out the disruptive and costly structural reforms happening in NHS England. Avoiding the privatisation of services seen south of the border has allowed us to focus on improving safety and quality of care.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

In Scotland’s NHS, staffing decisions are made by Health Boards in line with their own local needs and circumstances. This will continue to be the case on independence. Under the current Scottish Government, NHS staffing has increased by 5 per cent overall and by 1.5 per cent in the last year. There are now over 1,000 extra qualified nurses and midwives and over 1,500 more doctors working in our health service.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Medical research is a Scottish strength.

Scottish researchers win a disproportionate share of the Medical Research Council (MRC) and National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) funds for which researchers based in Scotland can apply. For example, in 2011/12, with a population share of 8.4 per cent, researchers in Scotland won 9.8 per cent of the total funds awarded by the MRC and won 14.6 per cent of the total funds awarded through the NIHR funding streams open to them.

There are clear benefits, for the whole medical research community in these islands, from Scotland remaining within a research funding system with the rest of the UK. An independent Scotland, contributing directly to the overall research council budget, will be in a strong position to influence research priority setting at a UK level.

Levels of public investment in university research will enable our researchers and universities to remain internationally competitive, with current levels of public investment in university research, through the Scottish Funding Council and Research Councils, at least maintained.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

As NHS Scotland is already under the control of the Scottish Parliament, its values and priorities will continue on independence. However, with independence, the Scottish budget will no longer be constrained by decisions made at Westminster, and will therefore reflect Scottish priorities.

Our approach to transforming waiting times for patients is an example of how better results are achieved for the people of Scotland when decisions are made in Scotland. As part of the Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011, the Scottish Government introduced the 12 week Treatment Time Guarantee for inpatients and day cases which enshrines in law a patient’s right to be treated within 12 weeks. By March 2013, 97.5 per cent of patients waited less than the 12 week standard for a first outpatient consultation. This compares with waits of six months in March 2007.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The move to independence will not change the benefits we currently enjoy. Decisions on things like free prescriptions will form part of the policies set out by parties in their manifestos for future Scottish parliamentary elections, with the political parties each offering their own approach, just as now. The current Scottish Government’s vision for the NHS in Scotland is a publicly funded health service providing care free at the point of delivery for all who need it. This includes free prescriptions.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

We have no plans to change the successful policy of Free Personal and Nursing Care in an independent Scotland. This distinctively Scottish approach is an example of how decisions made in Scotland provide better outcomes for the people of Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. Scotland already has five medical schools, which continue to attract high numbers of undergraduates from across Scotland and England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as students from overseas, who want to study medicine.

Medical education operates in a world-wide market, and Scotland continues to enjoy a well-earned reputation for providing trainee doctors with high quality training and development opportunities. Given these strengths, we see co-operation on medical training continuing on the same four-country basis as today.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Responsibility for pay, terms and conditions of service for staff in NHS Scotland is already devolved.

The Scottish Government will ensure that they continue to have independent pay advice when setting pay for NHS Scotland doctors and dentists.

In recent years the Scottish Government has successfully developed a Scottish GP contract with the British Medical Association (BMA), and with independence we will continue to work with them to ensure that GP contracts are developed to meet the needs and circumstances of the people of Scotland.

Similarly, for hospital-based doctors and dentists, the Scottish Government will work with the BMA, and seek to co-operate with the Westminster Government where appropriate, to negotiate pay, terms and conditions. The funding and terms and conditions for General Dental Services, General Ophthalmic Services and Community Pharmacy are already devolved and fully negotiated in Scotland. These arrangements will also not change.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

In Scotland, NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland provides a similar function to that provided by NICE in England and Wales. The Scottish Medicines Consortium already delivers the functions of NICE in Scotland in relation to access to new medicines and will continue to do so.

The Scottish Government currently purchases some services from NICE via a Service Level Agreement negotiated and operated by Healthcare Improvement Scotland. This arrangement too could continue in an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The UK Department of Health currently agrees the pricing of medicines on a UK-wide basis given that this is currently a reserved area. Negotiations on new pricing arrangements from 1 January 2014 have been agreed between the Department of Health and the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). The agreement will run for a five year period in line with previous agreements.

The UK Department of Health currently agrees the pricing of medicines on a UK-wide basis given that this is currently a reserved area. Negotiations on new pricing arrangements from 1 January 2014 have been agreed between the Department of Health and the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). The agreement will run for a five year period in line with previous agreements.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland already has a fully independent blood donor service. NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has in place a reciprocal agreement with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) and the other UK Blood Services to provide mutual assistance in the event of a blood shortage or unplanned event that affects their ability to supply hospitals. Following independence, this Government proposes to continue this reciprocal arrangement.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Organ donation and transplant activity across the UK is co-ordinated by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) which operates in Scotland under a contractual arrangement with the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government contributes to the running costs of NHSBT and the organisation is accountable to Scottish Ministers for the organ donation and transplantation activities it undertakes in Scotland.

Donations and transplantations are organised jointly across the UK as it is in the best interests of patients to ensure that organs have the best match to recipients. We will be able to continue these arrangements following independence, in much the same way that the Health Service Executive of the Republic of Ireland currently works with NHSBT on transplants. This is the same as other parts of Europe where groups of countries work together across borders to achieve the best outcomes for their patients.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The NHS in Scotland already co-operates with England, as well as with other countries for some services, to provide a range of specialised services not routinely available in Scotland. Access to a range of highly specialised services in England is managed and paid for by NHS National Services Scotland. Similarly, services currently offered in Scotland to patients from England will continue in an independent Scotland.

The Westminster and Scottish Governments also have arrangements in place with a number of other nations, including the Republic of Ireland, for reciprocal treatment. It will be in everyone’s interest for such arrangements and co-operation to continue in an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Following independence, should someone resident in Scotland take ill while in England, Wales or Northern Ireland they will be treated by local health services according to their clinical need, just as they are now.

Equally, visitors to Scotland from elsewhere in the UK will be cared for and treated as they are under current arrangements. EU directives protect access to such treatment.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

On the principle of continuation of existing law, current legislation on abortion will continue to apply within an independent Scotland until such times as that legislation is amended or repealed by the Parliament of an independent Scotland. There are no plans to change the current abortion time limit.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Housing Benefit in an independent Scotland will form part of a national social protection system. This Government’s proposal is to preserve Housing Benefit as a standalone benefit rather than include it as part of a single benefit payment.

Scotland’s Balance Sheet, published on 14 April 2013, shows that in 2011/12, social protection expenditure was equivalent to 14.4 per cent of economic output (GDP). This is lower than the equivalent UK figure of 15.9 per cent. In addition, spending on social protection in Scotland, as a share of the economy, has been lower than in the UK for the last five years, and is also lower than in the majority of other EU-15 countries.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. There will be opportunities for more investment in affordable housing in an independent Scotland. Full flexibility over Scotland’s budgets, only available through independence, will enable future Scottish governments to:

• broaden action to make more affordable housing available to alleviate homelessness and tackle fuel poverty

• take action to further improve the quality of housing, for example in the social rented sector

• introduce different ways of supporting first time buyers

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The sort of country we become will be up to the people of Scotland. Scotland has the wealth it needs to be a fairer country. We are one of the richest nations on the planet and could choose to use that wealth in a different way than Westminster. For example, we can choose to invest in childcare instead of spending money on defence. We can choose not to impose the “bedroom tax” and to have a more efficient tax system that ensures everyone pays up their fair share. With independence we can make different choices in line with our values and the views of the people of Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

One of the main reasons for independence is to give Scotland the powers to make our society fairer. Scotland can make our wealth work better for the people living here and follow a different path from Westminster. The UK is now one of the ten least equal countries in the OECD. It ranks 28th out of 34 on a measure of overall inequality. OECD analysis shows that, since 1975, income inequality among working-age people has increased faster in the UK than in any other country in the organisation.

Academic analysis comparing the earnings of the worst off and those best off has found that the UK was the fourth most unequal nation amongst the world’s richest countries.

These outcomes are not the result of the policies of one government, but of almost 40 years of decisions at Westminster. With independence, Scotland can make decisions on tax, welfare and employment that help the poorest in our society, not make life worse for them.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

This Government will not follow the same approach being adopted by Westminster which chooses to reduce support for one million Scottish households. We believe that Scotland is wealthy enough to make Scotland fairer, if we so choose. Key measures this Government proposes include:

• introducing a universal early learning and childcare system for all children aged one to school entry

• abolishing the “bedroom tax”

• reducing heating bills

• making improvements to the State Pension

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The political make up of the Scottish Parliament is very different from that at Westminster, where policy choices over the past forty years have resulted in an overall increase in income inequality and, most recently, with the majority of people seeing their living standards squeezed. For example, there is a consensus in the Scottish Parliament around issues like the living wage, which means more people in Scotland will receive fair reward for their hard work and efforts.

It is unlikely that a Scottish Parliament with powers over welfare and taxation would have introduced the “bedroom tax” or reduced the personal allowance for pensioners. Scotland is already taking a different path to reducing poverty by addressing the underlying causes, helping people before they reach crisis point and helping people to help themselves.

The Scottish package of universal support, including free personal care, concessionary travel, free prescriptions and the Council Tax freeze, supports those on low incomes most.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scotland currently meets all of the qualifying requirements of the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees (IOC), other than being an independent state.

Arrangements will be put in place to ensure that Scottish athletes were able to compete in Rio 2016 by attending any necessary qualifying events in the lead up to Rio 2016. This work would be undertaken in parallel to the wider governance arrangements required for Olympic and Paralympic accreditation, establishing Scottish Olympic and Paralympic Committees and transferring functions currently undertaken at UK level.

It is only through independence that Scotland can have its own teams for the next Olympics and Paralympics.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. The criteria to play for Scotland at a sport are set by each world governing body (FIFA for football, IRB for rugby etc) and not by the Scottish or Westminster Governments.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is already a member of FIFA, the world governing body for football. Likewise, the SFA is also an affiliate member of UEFA (Union of European Football Associations).

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The Royal and Ancient are responsible for determining the venue of the Open. Scotland is the home of golf and Scottish golf clubs will continue to be part of the rota to host the Open championships. Both the 2015 and 2016 events are planned for Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland already has a number of world class competition and training facilities. Our national agency for sport (sportscotland) has responsibility for all aspects of community and performance sport up to Commonwealth Games level.

It will be for the Parliament of an independent Scotland to decide how best to generate and deploy this resource to the benefit of Scottish sport in future.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Athletes are currently free to choose which country they represent providing they meet that country’s relevant qualifying criteria. Whilst the Scottish Government hopes that all athletes who are qualified to represent Scotland will do so, this is a personal decision.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The current Scottish Government proposes a transformation in early years learning and childcare provision. Independence will give us the opportunity to invest more in the supply of services, rather than subsidising demand. This is the approach adopted in the most successful countries and will ensure resources are spent most effectively, and make childcare more affordable for all.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence gives us the opportunity to do more to deliver world-class early learning and childcare. As a first step in realising this transformational vision, this Government plans to extend the current provision of 600 hours a year to around half of two year olds in the first budget of an independent Scotland. Those whose parents are currently on working tax credit or child tax credit will benefit.

We aim, by the end of the first term of an independent Scottish Parliament, to increase this entitlement to 1,140 hours for all three and four year olds, and vulnerable two year olds. Our long-term objective is that by the end of the second Parliament all children from age one to when they enter school will have an entitlement to 1,140 hours a year of high quality early learning and childcare, giving young children the same number of hours as primary school children.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Powers over these issues will transfer to the Scottish Parliament on independence. On independence, parents will continue to have the same maternity and paternity rights as now, with future Scottish governments then able to decide how the system of parental support should be improved.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Education is already almost fully devolved to Scotland. Our system is performing well. Scottish pupils outperform the OECD average in reading and science, and are similar to it in maths, and the latest results show that we have halted a period of relative international decline since 2000. These improvements, achieved under devolution, show that when decisions are made in Scotland better results are achieved for Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The management of the school system in Scotland is already fully devolved.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

This Government believes that Scotland’s permanent written constitution should include the right to education and the right for every young person to be offered a job or training.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The present system will continue. Faith-based education makes an important and valued contribution to Scottish society and the right of parents to make that choice for their children will remain.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence offers Scotland an opportunity fully to mobilise its resources to build a skilled workforce ready to meet demand. At the moment, the financial benefits of successful employment initiatives by the Scottish Government – such as Modern Apprenticeships, higher and further education funding and other training programmes – go to Westminster in the form of reduced welfare payments and increased taxation. With independence we will be able to retain these benefits in Scotland and will be able to re-invest them in our people.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Gaelic has been a continuing element in Scottish heritage, identity and history for many centuries. Gaelic has official recognition and it is an increasingly visible part of Scottish public life reaching into education, the arts, media and broadcasting. In an independent Scotland, Gaelic will have a central place in Scottish public life.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Our aim as a government would be to continue to reverse the decline of Gaelic in Scotland. The most recent Census has demonstrated that initiatives in support of Gaelic have significantly slowed down the decline of the language. Policy and resources would continue to be directed to the priority of increasing the numbers speaking, learning and using the language.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

In Scotland, Gaelic has a significant level of official support from the Scottish Government. Official recognition for Gaelic is also provided by the 2005 Gaelic Act. In an independent Scotland this official recognition would be confirmed and maintained.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The 2011 Census, for the first time, provided information on the numbers of Scots speakers. This information, in an independent Scotland, will assist in developing policy and promoting the use and status of the Scots language and supporting communities that speak Scots.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The current Scottish Government remains committed to access to higher education for eligible Scots based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay. This means eligible undergraduate students attending university in an independent Scotland will not have to pay tuition fees.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The divergence in funding policy between Scotland and England and the resulting disparity in the cost of a university education creates a huge financial incentive for students from England to study in Scotland. In that context, and to ensure Scottish students remain able to study at Scottish Higher Education Institutions, we propose maintaining the status quo by continuing our policy of allowing Scottish Higher Education Institutions to set their own annual tuition fees for students from the rest of the UK at a rate no higher than the maximum annual tuition fee rate chargeable to such students by universities in the rest of the UK.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

We believe that the unique and unprecedented position of a post-independent Scotland will enable us to continue our current policy in a way which is consistent with the principles of free movement across the EU as a whole and which is compatible with EU requirements.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Each member state is free to adopt its own domestic policies, consistent with the objectives of the EU. We believe that our fees policies contribute to student mobility across the wider EU, while addressing the consequences of the unique situation of Scottish independence. In these circumstances we believe that it will be possible to deliver our policy in a way which is compatible with EU requirements.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Students from other parts of the EU have the same right of access to education as home students. This means EU applicants are considered for entry on the same academic basis as home students and pay the same. This will remain the case with independence.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scottish Universities are amongst the best in the world and highly attractive to overseas students. In January 2013, 21 per cent of students studying in Scotland were from outwith the UK, including 28,500 international students from outwith the EU. This world beating quality will ensure an independent Scotland continues to attract the brightest and best students from around the world to study here.

Independence will allow Scotland to develop its own immigration policies addressing the negative impact of changes to student visas implemented by the current Westminster Government. This will ensure that we benefit from the skills and enthusiasm of those highly educated young people who wish to study here and make Scotland their home.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Charges for international students are at the discretion of each individual higher education institution and this will continue to be the case in an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Westminster Government decisions on student visas have deterred some international students, posing a direct threat to Scotland’s universities and colleges. Independence will allow Scotland to develop its own immigration system ensuring that we benefit from the skills and enthusiasm of those highly educated young people who wish to make Scotland their home.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The current Scottish Government believes the flexibility of the four-year degree and potential for progression through the currently available direct entry routes is a strength of the sector. The Government intends that an independent Scotland will continue with this and will support any moves to increase choices and flexibility for our students.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland’s universities are autonomous institutions and currently choose to provide this service through UCAS. Independence will not affect universities’ ability to make this choice.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The excellence of Scottish universities is recognised internationally and they are highly successful in winning competitive funding grants. Building on their reputation our universities will continue to compete for substantial funding for their research on the same competitive basis as they do currently.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

There are a number of options for research funding in an independent Scotland including establishing a Scottish Research Council for the allocation of research monies or as a mechanism for directing funding into existing pan-UK research councils. We recognise the benefits – for the academic community, business and research charities across the UK – of maintaining long-term stability in research funding and systems that support initiatives of scale and researchers working together across boundaries. With independence we will seek to maintain a common research area with the rest of the UK including existing shared Research Councils.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland already contributes to funding of the UK Research Councils through the tax base and this Government intends that it should continue to contribute as an independent country. The excellence of Scottish universities’ research is reflected in their success in winning competitive UK Research Council grant funding.

The rest of the UK benefits from Scotland’s high quality research and our centres of excellence and shared infrastructure are used by researchers from across the UK including: five Medical Research Council research centres; five Isotope facilities; the All-Waters Combined Current and Wave Test Facility; and the Roslin Institute.

Successful research depends on collaboration across boundaries, whether disciplinary, institutional or national. Research collaboration contributes directly to the competitiveness of the Scottish and UK economies through knowledge creation and exchange and direct collaboration with business, as well as supporting intellectual life and the academic aspirations of institutions and researchers.

It is in both Scotland’s and the UK’s interests to minimise any barriers to research collaboration and to maintain a common research area.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland already contributes to the funding of the Research Councils through the tax base. Following independence, Scotland would contribute directly from the Scottish Government budget giving us a clearer role in setting the strategic objectives of these bodies. With independence, we would intend to negotiate with Westminster a fair funding formula for Scotland’s contribution based on population share but taking reasonable account of the fact that the amount of research funding received by Scottish institutions from the Research Councils may reflect higher or lower levels of funding.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. We will seek to continue the current common research area arrangements and funding through the existing research councils. And while the UK will remain an important research partner, Scotland can also build on the significant successes achieved in working across European boundaries by hosting international research centres who are increasingly attracted to Scotland by the quality of our research base. The current Scottish Government supports the European Commission in its ambition for “a reinforced European research area partnership for excellence and growth” with researchers, research institutions and businesses moving, competing and co-operating across borders more intensively.

Levels of public investment in university research will be sufficient to enable our researchers and universities to remain internationally competitive with current levels of public investment in university research, through the Scottish Funding Council and Research Councils, at least maintained as part of wider and longer term plans to enhance levels of investment in research and development in Scotland from the private sector and other sources.

The present Scottish Government also intends to use the powers of independence to address one of the biggest threats to research in Scotland as a result of the policies of the current Westminster Government. We plan to reintroduce the poststudy work visa, which was abolished by Westminster in April 2012. This visa will encourage more talented people from around the world to further their education in Scotland, providing income for Scotland’s institutions and contributing to a growing economy.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Charities, like businesses, will make decisions to fund research in an independent Scotland based upon reputation, excellence and value for money – just as they do now. For example, for as long as our universities and NHS research base continue to be seen as world leaders in the research and treatment of diseases – from cancer to Parkinson’s – then Scotland will continue to attract funding accordingly.

UK charities, such as Cancer Research, provided competitively funded research in Scotland of £121 million in 2011/12. Scots are also generous contributors to UK charities, both financially and by way of fundraising and volunteering activities.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The current Scottish Government’s investment in our universities has allowed them to attract an increasing number of talented researchers and academics from around the world. This has contributed to our success and independence would put our universities in an even stronger position as it would allow Scotland to remove the barriers caused by the current Westminster Government’s visa regulations.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Education is already fully devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The current Scottish Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting postgraduate study and would maintain this commitment following independence.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. Scotland will need significant independent security and intelligence capacity to ensure its security. Independence offers an opportunity to build a new model for such work, that is fit for the 21st century and provides a proportionate means of ensuring Scotland’s national security.

On independence, the Scottish Government will set up a single security and intelligence agency for Scotland. The purpose of the agency will be set out in legislation, and will include the requirement to work with partners to ensure Scotland’s national security. Setting up the new body will allow us to do things differently, unconstrained by historical structures and precedent. We do not propose to replicate the current UK security and intelligence agencies (the Security Service, or MI5; the Secret Intelligence Service, or MI6; and GCHQ), although Scotland will continue to work very closely with them to ensure the security of Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scotland will have the ability to protect our citizens as other independent countries do.

The primary responsibility of government is to ensure the security of its citizens and to protect them, their property and way of life against threats. An independent Scotland will have national security arrangements that reflect Scotland’s specific needs and values, recognising the risks and threats we face. It will be based on a full review of security requirements and on a regular assessment of threats.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. Scotland already plays an active part in the UK Counter Terrorism Strategy and, given that responsibility for policing and justice is already devolved to the Scottish Parliament, extensive cross-border co-operation on security is already a reality. The effectiveness of these arrangements was seen in the co-operation between Scottish police forces, the Security Service and the Metropolitan Police Service after the Glasgow Airport bombing. It will be in the mutual interests of Scotland and the rest of the UK to ensure that this cross-border co-operation continues following independence, supported by Police Scotland and a Scottish security and intelligence agency.

Under our proposals, an independent Scotland will remain part of the Common Travel Area with the rest of the UK and Ireland. As part of this, Scotland will maintain robust visa and immigration controls which will contribute to securing the external border against serious organised crime and terrorism. The arrangements to combat those seeking to exploit Scotland’s ports are already delivered by Police Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

An independent Scotland will have security arrangements that are proportionate, fit for purpose, and reflect a full strategic assessment of Scotland’s needs and the threats Scotland may face, in the same way as comparable nations. Scotland will have an independent security and intelligence agency which will work closely with Police Scotland and with the rest of the UK to share intelligence and co-ordinate responses to threats.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

It will be in the interests of the rest of UK and other partners to work closely with Scotland on security matters, including the sharing of intelligence.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes, that is the intention of the Scottish Government. The Common Travel Area has existed since the 1920s and allows freedom of movement for nationals of the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. It will be in the interests of all partners for an independent Scotland to remain in the Common Travel Area.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

It will be in their overriding interests to do so. Erecting border controls with Scotland would be inconvenient for all Common Travel Area partners, including Scotland and the rest of the UK, and would not be in the interests of any party. Our shared history, culture and borders make the Common Travel Area of benefit to all of the territories within it.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Ireland currently operates a different immigration system to the UK and this has not affected the Common Travel Area agreement. For example, Ireland grants “green cards”, which the UK does not, and the UK has a points based system which Ireland does not. Far from hindering the Common Travel Area, the UK and Ireland issued a joint statement earlier this year committing to the development of a Common Travel Area visa.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. The arguments for Scotland being out of Schengen and remaining in the Common Travel Area with the rest of the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are based on valid practical considerations of geography and working arrangements that predate the EU and Schengen.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Maintaining the Common Travel Area is in the interests of all current members and agreement would be reached as part of negotiations with the rest of the UK.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence will enable Scotland to build a fair, robust and secure immigration system that meets our own social, economic and demographic needs.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland’s differing demographic and migration needs mean that the current UK immigration system has not supported Scotland’s migration priorities. The current Westminster approach is strongly focused on reducing the overall numbers of migrants and introducing number caps for certain categories of skilled individuals.

With independence, each of these decisions would, in future, be for Scottish governments, with policy choices taken on the basis of Scotland’s needs and priorities.

For non-EU nationals, independence will enable us to develop and operate a controlled, transparent and efficient immigration system that best meets Scotland’s needs and supports our future growth. The current Scottish Government will take forward a points-based approach targeted at particular Scottish needs.

A particular issue for Scotland is the post-study work visa. There are more than 45,000 international students from every corner of the world studying in Scotland, bringing important investment, diversity and welcome expertise to Scotland. The current Scottish Government plans to reintroduce the post-study work visa.

We plan also to lower the current financial maintenance thresholds and minimum salary levels for entry to better align them with Scottish average wages and cost of living. This will open up greater opportunities for key skilled individuals from overseas who could play important roles in our society and economy, filling vital vacancies in individual businesses.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

All those legally in Scotland at independence will be able to remain in Scotland under the terms of their existing visa or entry. When their visa expires they will be expected to leave Scotland (and the rest of the UK) or apply for a new visa or extension under Scottish immigration rules.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Would there be a cap on the number of migrants who can come to Scotland? We plan that an independent Scotland will introduce a controlled immigration system to meet our own economic, social and demographic priorities and needs. Each individual who wishes to come to Scotland to work, study or live will have to meet a set of reasonable and fair requirements to gain entry or approval to remain in Scotland. If there are higher than required numbers of non-European Economic Area/Swiss migrants entering Scotland, then this can be addressed through the points-based system using targeted changes, rather than a cap.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Under our proposals for independence, Scotland will operate its own visa system. Therefore anyone who is subject to immigration controls and denied permission to stay in the rest of the UK will have to apply for a visa to enter Scotland and their application would be assessed under Scottish immigration rules. They would have no automatic right to move to Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Evidence suggests that migrants overwhelmingly pay their way in terms of public services and make a positive financial contribution.

The Scottish Government’s policies are designed to ensure an appropriate level of immigration based on economic needs.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland values our diverse ethnic minority communities, the contribution they make and the important role they play in enriching Scotland socially, culturally and economically. Healthy population growth is essential for Scotland’s economy. The main contributor to our population growth is from migrants who choose to make Scotland their home.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. Scotland is already a welcoming society that is stronger for being a culturally rich and diverse nation and will continue to be so.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Under our proposals, criminal activity at ports of entry to Scotland, whether it is related to immigration, customs offences or organised crime will be dealt with in a timely and appropriate fashion by a Scottish Borders and Migration Service. Due process will be followed to detect, investigate and deal with all criminal and immigration matters at ports of entry.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

As a nation playing a socially responsible role in the world, an independent Scotland will continue to provide a place of safety for those seeking asylum. Asylum is granted to those fleeing persecution or serious harm in their own country and in need of international protection.

Asylum is a separate issue from immigration. The current Scottish Government proposes that an independent Scotland will put in place an independent asylum agency. It will handle asylum applications from the initial submission, throughout the assessment process and make the decision on whether to grant refugee status to an individual.

The opportunity of independence will also allow Scotland to adopt a new humane approach to asylum seekers and refugees in line with our values and commitment to upholding internationally recognised human rights.

The new powers Scotland will gain at independence around equal opportunities, including race equality and anti-discrimination will be important in supporting Scotland’s ambition to be a progressive, welcoming and inclusive state.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Migrants apply for visas to come to Scotland to work, study or to join family members here. They make a decision to move to Scotland and have to show that they have sufficient resources to support themselves and their family while they are here.

Asylum seekers are fleeing persecution or serious harm in their own country. They often arrive in the country in which they claim asylum by chance and with very little forethought or preparation. Scotland will play a responsible role as a good global citizen, supporting vulnerable people fleeing persecution.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

There is no reason why this would be the case. Scotland will play a responsible role as a good global citizen, supporting vulnerable people fleeing persecution.

There is no empirical evidence to suggest that the reception conditions provided for asylum seekers constitute a “pull factor” or an incentive to seek protection in a particular country.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Some people will fail any asylum process and there need to be arrangements in place to deal with those people with fairness and compassion. There is therefore no need to detain people just because their claim has been unsuccessful and they are awaiting removal. Detention by default, along with the practice of dawn raids, would not form part of the current Scottish Government’s proposed approach to asylum.

Failed asylum seekers who represent a danger to the public need to be accommodated securely whilst steps are taken to remove them, but this should be addressed in other ways. Prison will be a legitimate alternative in some, though very few, cases – for example where a criminal offence has been committed.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Our intention is to encourage voluntary return for failed asylum seekers wherever possible. However, we accept that there will be a need for some forced removal. Such operations will be undertaken in a sensitive and compassionate manner. There will be an end to dawn raids and a commitment not to forcibly remove vulnerable asylum seekers, such as young children or heavily pregnant women.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Our proposal is that on day one of independence, all British citizens who live in Scotland and all British citizens born in Scotland but residing elsewhere would automatically be considered Scottish citizens. Others may be able to apply for citizenship following independence through routes such as citizenship by descent or by naturalisation.

Under these proposals Scotland would not create a barrier to individuals holding Scottish citizenship alongside British or any other citizenship.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

As outlined above, all British citizens who are habitually resident in Scotland at the date of independence and all British citizens born in Scotland but resident elsewhere would automatically be considered a Scottish citizen. There would be no registration required and there are no plans to have a Scottish ID card.

We intend that the rights and responsibilities which accompany Scottish citizenship will be broadly in line with those currently aligned with British citizenship. However, there is no written record of what rights and responsibilities are associated with British citizenship. We would support the inclusion of the rights and responsibilities of Scottish citizens in the permanent written constitution of an independent Scotland. Those rights and responsibilities will reflect the European Convention of Human Rights.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Our proposals will allow people to opt out of Scottish citizenship. However, under international law, when setting nationality rules a country has a duty to avoid making people stateless. Therefore, those people who would automatically be considered a Scottish citizen will only be able to opt out if they already hold citizenship of another nation.

British nationality rules will be a matter for the rest of the UK. Should you qualify for British citizenship under the rest of the UK’s rules post-independence then you will be able to opt out of Scottish citizenship or hold dual citizenship. Information on how to opt out will be made available before independence. We aim to keep the process simple yet robust.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Our proposals for citizenship in an independent Scotland are based upon an inclusive model and will include dual citizenship, recognising our shared history with the UK. We will not place obstacles in the way of individuals holding Scottish citizenship alongside British or any other citizenship.

The UK allows dual or multiple citizenship for British citizens. If a British citizen acquires citizenship and a passport of another country, this does not affect their British citizenship, right to hold a British passport or right to live in the UK. It will be for the rest of the UK to decide whether it allows dual UK/Scottish citizenship, but if Westminster decided that Scottish citizens could not also be UK citizens it would be inconsistent with its approach to every other country.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scottish citizens will be EU citizens and as such would have the right to live and work anywhere in the EU, including the rest of the UK.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

They will be broadly similar to existing British rules and will be based on residence and parentage.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Citizenship by descent will be open to those whose parent or grandparent was born in Scotland and qualifies, or would have qualified if living, for Scottish citizenship.

There will be a registration process for citizenship by descent and those who wish to register would have to prove their family connection with relevant documentation. Those who successfully claim citizenship by descent will have the same rights and responsibilities as other Scottish citizens, including the right to live and work in Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

We intend that Scottish citizens will be able to apply for a Scottish passport from the date of independence. Passport eligibility will be aligned with citizenship. If you qualify for Scottish citizenship then you will be entitled to carry a Scottish passport. Scottish passports will meet the standard requirements for EU passports.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

We plan that Scottish citizens will be able to apply for Scottish passports from the date of independence.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The current Scottish Government proposes a shared service agreement with HM Passport Office for a transitional period, with responsibility transferring to a new Scottish passport agency over the course of the first parliament of an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Fee scales will be published prior to independence. It is the current Scottish Government’s intention that passports in a newly independent Scotland will cost no more than the respective UK passport at that time.

Adult passports will last for 10 years and child passports for five years.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Under our plans, anyone who is a Scottish citizen will be eligible for a Scottish passport.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. You will require a valid passport if you want to travel outside the Common Travel Area (Scotland, the rest of the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands), but we will not impose a requirement for Scottish citizens to have a Scottish passport – just as there is no requirement now to have a UK passport.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scottish passports will comply with EU standards for passports. They will look much the same as current UK passports in colour, size, and layout but will be identified as a Scottish passport on the front cover. Scottish passports will be recognised worldwide.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Scottish Government plans to recognise valid UK passports until they expire. As set out above, the Scottish Government intends to allow dual nationality and would not place any obstacles in the way of individuals holding a Scottish passport alongside a UK passport.

Entitlement to UK passports will be a matter for the rest of the UK.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The present Scottish Government plans that an independent Scotland will have a Scottish Borders and Migration Service which will be responsible for border control at airports and ports. Our overseas work through the consulate network, such as issuing visas, will help ensure that only those entitled to enter Scotland can do so.

As is currently the case, individuals known to be a threat to Scotland will not be allowed to enter the country. They will either be stopped at the point of application, or on attempting to enter the country. In certain cases the involvement of the police will be necessary, and there will be a key role for the Border Policing Command of Police Scotland in cases of criminality or persons wanted for criminal offences.

The Scottish Government will work with international partners to ensure that those deemed a threat to the security of Scotland are deported following proper investigation and processes. This will be consistent with relevant human rights legislation.

As a member of the EU, Scotland will uphold data and information sharing arrangements in place to contribute to, and benefit from, terrorism prevention processes such as watch lists of persons of interest.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. Erecting border controls with Scotland would be inconvenient for all Common Travel Area partners, including Scotland and the rest of the UK, and will not be in the interests of any party. Our shared history, culture and borders make the Common Travel Area of benefit to all of the territories within it.

As is the case with Ireland in the Common Travel Area currently, Scotland will work with the rest of the UK to establish joint processes to manage the Common Travel Area.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Following independence, the Scottish Government’s proposed Scottish Borders and Migration Service will have responsibility for ensuring that visas are issued appropriately and that only those with a right to enter Scotland can do so. In cases involving criminality there will also be a key role for the Border Policing Command of Police Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland already has its own distinct legal system. Our justice system and institutions have a long and proud history. Scotland’s justice agencies have demonstrated the benefits of having decisions taken in Scotland relevant to circumstances here.

However, powers over some key justice matters are held by Westminster, including decisions over drug classification, firearms, gambling and road traffic offences. The Westminster also controls how much of the income collected from criminals in Scotland, through fines and proceeds of crime legislation, can be retained to invest in Scottish communities.

Decisions about currently reserved issues like welfare, employment and public services also have a significant impact on the factors that lead people towards crime and make our communities vulnerable to criminals.

With independence, Scotland will have the full range of powers to tackle crime and the causes of crime in a more joined-up way, to make our communities safer.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Following independence, existing laws, whether passed by Westminster or the Scottish Parliament, will continue to apply until they are amended by the independent Scottish Parliament.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The roles, functions and independence of Scotland’s judges and prosecutors will be safeguarded following independence. As at present, Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament will have no powers to intervene in independent judicial decisions. Prosecution decisions will continue to be taken by the Lord Advocate.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scotland has its own legal profession, judiciary, police, prosecutors and other trained justice staff working in our courts, prisons and local criminal justice services.

Crime in Scotland is at a 39 year low and violent crime has almost halved since 2006/07. There are fewer victims of crime and more people feel that their communities are safer places to live. The effectiveness of Scotland’s justice system demonstrates the benefits of decisions being taken in Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scotland already has its own police service, Police Scotland, which is supervised by the Scottish Police Authority. Scotland’s police service safeguards strong local policing in our communities and ensures that specialist national expertise and equipment – like firearms units or major investigation teams – are available whenever and wherever they are needed.

Scotland has over 1,000 additional police officers in our communities compared with 2006/07 and crime clear-up rates by the police are at their highest level for 35 years.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Following independence, the functions of UK forces currently operating in Scotland – the British Transport Police, Ministry of Defence Police and Civil Nuclear Constabulary – will come under Scottish control.

The Scottish Government is already seeking agreement with Westminster to integrate the functions of the British Transport Police into Police Scotland. The Scottish Government intends that, with independence, the functions of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary in Scotland will also be integrated into Police Scotland.

Just as now, policing functions in relation to defence interests will be required in an independent Scotland and posts will be needed to undertake those functions. An independent Scottish government will be able to determine the most effective and efficient way of managing those functions.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. There are existing well-established arrangements to ensure effective cross-border co-operation between Police Scotland and forces in the rest of the UK. It will be in the shared interests of Scotland and the rest of the UK to ensure that these practical arrangements continue following independence.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. 999 will remain the number to call for police, fire, ambulance and coastguard services in an independent Scotland.

Scotland also has its own national police non-emergency phone number – 101. People can call 101 to get advice about crime prevention or to report a crime that doesn’t need an emergency response.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce ensures that relevant agencies work together to tackle serious and organised criminals in our communities.

The new Scottish Crime Campus at Gartcosh will provide purpose-built, specialist accommodation for 1,100 staff from the police and other agencies to work together even more closely to protect Scotland from the threat of serious and organised crime.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

There are existing well-established arrangements to ensure effective co-operation between Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and the National Crime Agency. It will be in the interests of all agencies involved in combatting serious and organised crime to continue this practical co-operation following independence.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Scotland already has its own Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The unified service safeguards strong local fire and rescue services in our communities and ensures specialist national expertise and equipment are available whenever and wherever they are needed.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland’s police and prosecutors already work effectively with their counterparts in other European countries and through EU bodies, such as Europol.

The Scottish Government opposes Westminster’s plans to opt-out of EU agreements that put at risk access to the European Arrest Warrant and other practical cross-border measures for Scottish justice agencies.

Following independence, Scotland will no longer have to rely on representation on international bodies via Westminster. As an independent EU member state, Scotland will have its own voice in the development of EU justice and home affairs policy and legislation.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The Scottish Government intends to maintain current arrangements for extradition to ensure that criminals can be pursued and brought to justice across international borders.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland’s devolved justice agencies already work effectively with their counterparts in other countries to tackle human trafficking and other cross-border crimes.

An independent Scotland will have its own voice and will be able to participate positively and directly in EU and wider international co-operative arrangements that protect our security and help tackle cross-border crime.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The civil and criminal courts in Scotland will continue to operate after independence.

Following recommendations from the Lord President, Scotland’s most senior judge, the Scottish Government is already taking forward a programme of reforms to modernise and improve Scotland’s courts to ensure that they are fit for the 21st century.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Arrangements will be made to finalise Scottish cases already referred to the UK Supreme Court. The highest courts in an independent Scotland will be the Inner House of the Court of Session and the High Court of Justiciary (sitting as Court of Criminal Appeal), which will be known jointly as the Supreme Court of Scotland.

The UK Supreme Court will no longer have jurisdiction in Scotland. The European Court of Justice in Luxembourg and European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg will continue to have the same jurisdiction in Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. Independence will not result in a need for Scotland to add to its existing courts and judiciary. As at present, following independence the total number of judges will be agreed through dialogue between Scottish Ministers and the Lord President, Scotland’s most senior judge.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland has its own Scottish Tribunals Service and tribunal judiciary responsible for tribunals on devolved matters, such as mental health. The Scottish Government intends that following independence, tribunals for reserved matters, such as welfare benefits and employment, will become part of the tribunal structure in Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The majority of income from fines applied in Scotland is currently transferred to Westminster under UK Treasury rules.

In an independent Scotland, this fine income will be retained by the Scottish Government and has the potential to deliver additional net income of more than £7 million per year to Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Westminster currently places a cap of £30 million per year on the amount of money recovered from criminals that can be retained by the Scottish Government and used to reinvest in communities in Scotland. Westminster has refused requests to remove that cap.

In an independent Scotland there will be no cap. This means that all money recovered from criminals will be available to be reinvested in communities across Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland already has its own Prison Service and prison officers. As at present, criminals sentenced to prison by a Scottish court will be sent to a Scottish prison.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. There are existing arrangements in place for prisoner transfers between Scotland and the rest of the UK to enable prisoners to maintain family contact during their sentence. The Scottish Government plans to maintain these arrangements on independence. Arrangements for international prisoner transfers will also continue on the same basis as now.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Westminster has decided to end collective bargaining for police pay and conditions in England and Wales. The current Scottish Government rejects this approach, and has introduced legislation to establish a Scottish Police Negotiating Body, ensuring that decisions about police pay and conditions are taken here in Scotland.

With independence, decisions on the pay and terms and conditions of prison officers and firefighters will be taken in Scotland, building on the strong record of partnership working with staff bodies.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The Scottish Government paper Pensions in an Independent Scotland made clear that in an independent Scotland all public service pension rights and entitlements which have been accrued for fully or executively devolved or reserved schemes will be fully protected and accessible. There will be no difference to how much people pay for their pensions or the level of benefits they receive as a result of the move to independence.

Independence will make it possible for a future Scottish government to consider positively the pension terms of all “uniformed” services, including the age at which they should be able to access their occupational pension.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Scotland Act 2012 provided the Scottish Parliament with limited powers to introduce a distinct drink driving limit and a Scottish Government consultation confirmed strong public support in Scotland for a lower limit. The Scottish Government will bring forward legislation to lower the drink driving limit once technical changes to drink drive testing devices have been made.

Independence will allow all decisions on drink driving policy to be taken in Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence will give Scotland full control over road traffic criminal law, and the ability to develop policies to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on Scotland’s roads. This will include opportunities to empower our police to conduct random breath tests of drivers, create different drink drive limits for different types of driver, and to consider whether existing UK law on dangerous driving, careless driving and speeding offers a sufficient deterrent to drivers who put at risk other road users and pedestrians.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

It is the responsibility of every driver to know the rules and laws of the roads on which they are driving.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Policy on drug misuse is already devolved to the Scottish Government. Scotland’s drug strategy, The Road to Recovery, has led the way in tackling drug problems and has received international acclaim for its positive focus on care, treatment and recovery. Drug taking in the general population is falling and drug taking among young people is at the lowest level in a decade. With independence, responsibility for legislation on the classification of illegal drugs will also become the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

With independence, responsibility for the regulation of gambling will transfer to the Scottish Parliament. An independent Scotland will have the powers to introduce additional measures to tackle problem gambling, through more effective regulation of the industry, in contrast to Westminster’s approach of greater deregulation.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Scotland Act 2012 provided the Scottish Parliament with limited additional powers to introduce licensing for airguns. Work is underway by the Scottish Government to introduce a licensing regime for airguns in Scotland. However, Westminster has refused requests to devolve powers fully to allow decisions on the licensing and control of firearms to be taken in Scotland.

Independence will give Scotland full powers to control firearms in Scotland. Firearms legislation and licensing in an independent Scotland will be simplified, made easier for the public to understand and for the authorities to enforce.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Crown Estate is currently administered by a UK body, the Crown Estate Commissioners, and the revenues flow to the UK Treasury. In an independent Scotland, the current Scottish Government plans that the assets of the Crown Estate better support local economic development and provide wider community benefit in Scotland. The current Scottish Government proposes to review the management of the Crown Estate and will consult on arrangements to enhance local control of assets including greater autonomy for the islands and ownership of the foreshore and local harbours. We plan to introduce community benefit associated with Scotland’s offshore renewable resource. This will deliver a direct benefit for communities across Scotland of at least half of the seabed leasing revenues and more in the islands.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

As part of the UK, Scotland’s farmers receive the third lowest direct payment per hectare in the European Union. Independent member states have benefitted from the European Union’s principle that no member state should receive less than the minimum EU average payment rate of €196 per hectare. Had Scotland been an independent member state when the latest CAP round was agreed, this principle would have meant gaining an additional €1 billion of support between 2014 and 2020.

The following table shows how Scotland compares with EU member states before and after the recent CAP negotiations.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

As part of the UK, Scotland currently receives the lowest level of rural development funding in Europe. This is because the Westminster Government does not prioritise this support in its negotiations with Europe.

With independence, Scotland will be able to negotiate for fairer allocations for rural development – similar to that achieved by many other member states. For example, despite Ireland having around 25 per cent of the agricultural land of the UK, it has successfully managed to negotiate an allocation of almost €2 billion for rural development – almost 85 per cent of the total allocation for the UK. Finland offers another example, having negotiated a €600 million uplift. This demonstrates what sovereign countries, similar in size to Scotland, can achieve within EU negotiations when they are able to reflect their own needs and priorities.

Independence will ensure that Scotland enters into the next set of CAP negotiations on an even footing with the rest of the members of the EU. The following table shows how Scotland compares with EU member states on rural development (CAP Pillar 2) payments before and after the recent CAP negotiations.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

With independence, farmers and crofters will continue to receive CAP payments – the budget is already set until 2020. But, crucially, with independence we will also have a direct voice in the negotiations on the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. The administration of payments for the CAP is already conducted by the Scottish Government. As the European Commission pays CAP payments in arrears, the Scottish Government plans that an independent Scotland will underwrite payments to farmers, as Westminster does today, ensuring a smooth transition for Scottish farmers.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence will give Scotland its own voice in Europe, participating at every level in the EU policy process and ensuring the Scottish Government is able to promote and protect Scotland’s national interests in EU affairs. Fishing and agriculture are important sectors of the Scottish economy and will be priority areas for negotiation in the EU.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Following a vote for independence, the Scottish Government will enter into negotiations with the rest of the UK and with the EU institutions to fully define our fishing rights and other key issues. At present, Scotland’s fishing opportunities are provided for in a concordat among the UK nations, which gives Scotland a share of UK quotas. It will be in the interests of both Scotland and the rest of the UK to agree an appropriate and fair set of final allocations so that the normal fishing practices of each nation can continue unaffected.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence will stop Scottish-held quotas being permanently transferred out of Scotland to other parts of the UK. This is because EU rules do not allow permanent transfers of this nature from one member state to another. An independent Scotland will therefore be able to retain its quotas for the benefit of its own fishermen.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Fishing vessels often land their catch in different countries and independence will make no difference to this.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Beyond 12 nautical miles, the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy provides any member state’s vessels with access to all member states’ waters. However they can only fish in waters where they have fishing opportunities.

Within 12 nautical miles, we would expect to agree with other member states that vessels from other member states (including the rest of the UK) with historic fishing rights should be able to continue fishing in Scottish waters, and vice versa.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

As an independent member state, Scotland will be negotiating as one of the foremost and most respected fishing nations in Europe. This status will give Scotland the opportunity to take a leadership role in driving reforms to the CFP and in negotiating annual fishing opportunities within the framework of the CFP. The government of an independent Scotland will be able to negotiate unequivocally for Scottish priorities without having to dilute these in order to suit wider UK objectives.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The same opportunities will exist before and after independence. Consumers elsewhere in the UK will continue to be attracted by the world-class quality of Scottish produce. By sharing Sterling with the rest of the UK, trade will continue to be underpinned by a common currency. Scotland’s status as an independent member of the European Union will ensure free movement of goods, people and services and avoid any barriers to trade with the rest of the UK or European markets.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The current Scottish Government proposes that BBC Scotland will become the foundation for the establishment of a publiclyfunded, public service broadcaster – the Scottish Broadcasting Service (SBS). The existing BBC charter expires on 31 December 2016, and the SBS will begin broadcasting on TV, radio and online on 1 January 2017.

The SBS would replace the BBC in Scotland in joint ventures, including those related to Freeview and Freesat. The SBS would also take on the BBC’s role in the operation of relevant digital terrestrial television multiplexes in Scotland.

The SBS would also inherit a proportionate share of the BBC’s commercial ventures, including BBC Worldwide Ltd, and their associated ongoing profits.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

In addition to its own TV, radio, and online services, the SBS would seek to co-operate, co-produce and co-commission with the remaining BBC network where appropriate. Currently, BBC Scotland delivers a range of programming for the BBC network: the BBC aims for 8.6 per cent of its eligible original programming to come from BBC Scotland. We propose that the SBS enter into a new formal relationship with the BBC as a joint venture, where the SBS would continue to supply the BBC network with the same level of original programming, in return for ongoing access to BBC services in Scotland.

The new joint venture relationship with the BBC would allow the SBS to continue to have the right to opt out of BBC 1 and BBC 2, as BBC Scotland can currently. The maintenance of access to the BBC will ensure that the people of Scotland will still have access to current programming such as EastEnders, Doctor Who, and Strictly Come Dancing, and to channels like CBeebies.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. Under our proposals, a joint venture agreement between the SBS and the BBC would see all current BBC services available in Scotland continue, in addition to the TV, radio and online services provided by the SBS.

If it became clear in future that Westminster did not share our commitment to publicly-funded public service broadcasting, the Scottish Government would establish a contractual arrangement with BBC Worldwide Ltd to secure continued availability of BBC services in Scotland.

BBC channels that are available in the UK currently are also already available through different live transmission agreements in the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Would advertising be necessary as in Ireland? £320 million is raised annually in Scotland from licence fees alone, but, following the implementation of the BBC’s ‘Delivering Quality First’ initiative, the level of spend by the BBC in Scotland could be as low as £175 million in 2016/17. As a comparison the total annual cost of Ireland’s RTÉ is around £286 million.

In addition to the £320 million raised in licence fees in Scotland, around £12 million per year is made available by the Scottish Government for Gaelic broadcasting, and the Scottish proportionate share of profits of ongoing BBC commercial ventures is around £13 million to £19 million – approximately £345 million per year in total.

On this basis, SBS would be in a position to provide a high-quality publicly-funded public service broadcaster within the resources available, without seeking revenue from advertising.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

No. The existing licence fee would be inherited on independence and is sufficient to allow a high-quality SBS service on TV, radio and online.

In future, the funding of the SBS will be determined by the government of an independent Scotland in negotiation with the broadcaster.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

STV’s licence has been extended to 2025, and the current Scottish Government has been clear that existing licences will be honoured at the point of independence. Viewers in the south of Scotland will continue to be served by ITV’s Borders franchise, but as part of the conditions of the renewal of that licence, ITV will now be obliged to transmit different programming to the south of Scotland and the north of England so that viewers in the south of Scotland have the same access to news and current affairs coverage about Scotland as the rest of Scotland.

These arrangements will ensure that Scottish audiences can continue to access programming such as Coronation Street and X-Factor.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

At the point of independence, it is expected that Channel 4’s licence will have been extended to the end of 2024, and the established licence will be honoured. The current Scottish Government proposes to establish ownership arrangements of this public corporation which ensure that a Scottish population share of Channel 4 network original productions, by hours and by value, comes from Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

By the time Scotland becomes independent in March 2016, Channel 5’s licence will have been extended to 2025. The Scottish Government intends that following independence the existing licence will be honoured.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Our intention is that existing licences will be honoured until expiry. Because of the nature of satellite technology, broadcasting over that platform will remain identical in Scotland to that in the rest of the UK, just as is the case today across the UK and Ireland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Scottish Government is committed to the continuation of the BBC Alba channel and Radio nan Gáidheal, under the auspices of the Scottish Broadcasting Service.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Our intention is that existing licences for radio stations would be honoured until expiry.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The SBS will seek to co-operate with the BBC and the relevant charities to continue to involve the people of Scotland in these, and similar, established telethons.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The SBS would seek membership of the EBU and would be an active and constructive partner in the organisation. As part of this participation, we would envisage the SBS engaging with some of the EBU competitions, including Scottish entries in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Scotland currently owns a share of all UK national collections. The national museums and galleries in both London and Scotland all hold items from different parts of the UK and collections assembled from across the world. They have longestablished arrangements for loans, exchanges and partnerships, which will be able to continue when Scotland becomes independent.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Scottish Government intends that, following independence, Historic Scotland, or its successor body, will continue to provide the skills, services and visitor operations that it does at present. The merger between Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland is intended to ensure the sustainability of the functions of both organisations.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Management of the historic environment is already within the control of the Scottish Parliament.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

World Heritage Sites are recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as places of internationally significant cultural or natural heritage. There are currently five World Heritage Sites in Scotland – the Antonine Wall, Heart of Neolithic Orkney, New Lanark, the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, and St Kilda, with a nomination for the Forth Bridge currently being developed. Their status will not change as a result of independence.

Future Scottish governments will continue to be able to nominate Scottish sites for world heritage status in an independent Scotland, and Historic Scotland, or its successor body, will continue to monitor the management of existing sites.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The tax system in place immediately before independence will be inherited at that time. After that, decisions on the tax system and all specific taxes – including tax rates, allowances and credits – will be made by the parliament and government of an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Listed Places of Worship Scheme, which is administered by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, provides grants in respect of VAT costs incurred for eligible repairs, maintenance and alterations to places of worship across the UK. The current Scottish Government proposes that a similar scheme should operate in an independent Scotland, and will consider extending the scheme to benefit the repair and maintenance of all listed buildings.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that, as an independent nation, Scotland will continue to meet all legal obligations that flow from its membership of international organisations and that it will continue with treaty rights and obligations. Where the UK has not signed or ratified international treaties, there will be opportunities to explore whether an independent Scotland would ratify these. The current Scottish Government is in favour, for example, of ratifying the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, as Scotland’s songs, dance and stories are as important as our castles, palaces and monuments.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Culture and heritage will continue to be valued in and of itself as the heart, soul and essence of a flourishing Scotland, as well as for the wider social and economic benefits that it brings to individuals, communities and the nation.

An independent Scotland will continue to nurture and promote our culture and heritage sector, so that it can inspire and enrich lives both here and internationally.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Independence will enable the Scottish Parliament to explore a reduction in VAT on repairs and maintenance work to homes as part of wider taxation priorities.

Powers over VAT, currently exercised by the Westminster Government, will transfer to the Scottish Parliament as a result of independence. The tax system in place immediately before independence will be inherited at that time. Thereafter decisions on the tax system and all specific taxes – including tax rates, allowances and credits for VAT and other taxes – will be made by the parliament and government of an independent Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Archives across the world hold all sorts of material relating to other countries. Cross-UK advisory bodies on archives – such as the National Archives – have in practice only a limited role in Scottish terms.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes, that is the current Scottish Government’s intention. People will still be able to play National Lottery games, and the infrastructure enabling them to do so will remain in place.

Scotland will continue to receive a fair share of ticket sales to support good causes. Following independence, all decisions about the allocation of Scotland’s share of funds will be taken in Scotland, ensuring that money raised from lottery ticket sales is used to respond to the needs of Scotland’s local communities.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Yes. This Government proposes that people will still be able to play National Lottery games, and the infrastructure enabling them to do so will remain in place.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

At present, the licence to run the National Lottery is held by Camelot Group plc, and is in place until 2023. The Scottish Government does not intend to change this arrangement.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

There are no current plans to establish a distinct Scottish Lottery. Any decisions to do so will be the responsibility of a future Scottish government, and will be subject to the usual processes of consultation and consideration. Future Scottish governments would have the powers to establish a Scottish Lottery if there was a demand for it or in support of specific events.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The present Scottish Government’s approach would be to ensure that Scotland receives its fair share of lottery funding and to ensure that all decisions about how good cause funds are distributed and allocated will be taken in Scotland.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

There is no reason to anticipate that this would differ because of independence. The level of available funds depends on a number of factors, including the number of ticket sales and the price of those tickets.

However, there are currently no rules in place guaranteeing Scotland any fixed proportion of National Lottery funds and the lottery operator does not publish information on ticket sales in Scotland. Independence would mean that future Scottish governments will be in a position to work with the lottery operator to ensure Scotland continues to receive a fair share of funding.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Big Lottery Fund is the largest distributor of Lottery good cause money in Scotland and we propose that it will continue this role after independence.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

The Scottish Government’s proposal is to build upon the good work of the Heritage Lottery Fund team based in Scotland and to give them full responsibility for the allocation and distribution of the Scottish share of lottery funding for heritage good causes. They will initially operate under a suitable shared governance system, building on the work of the current Scottish Regional Committee.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.

Under the arrangements we propose, Scotland’s share of Lottery funding for the arts and film will be distributed by Creative Scotland and for sport by sportscotland, as they are now.

Source: Scotland's Future, Scottish Government, November 2013.