Salmond: Scotland’s future is now in Scotland’s hands – Brief extracts from the reporting of the Independence White Paper

The Scottish Government has published its white paper on independence,
outlining how it believes a Yes vote in next year’s referendum could pave
the way for a new era for the nation.
SNIP

“We’d become independent in more promising circumstances than virtually any
other nation in history,” he said.

“That reflects our underlying economic strength. An independent Scotland
could have the eighth highest economic output and the 10th highest national
income per head of population in the whole of the developed world.

“We have contributed more in taxes per person than the rest of the UK for
every single one of the last 32 years.”

It also reflects potential based on “world-class” universities, energy
resources and a skilled and inventive people, he said.

But major challenges will also have to be overcome.

“We’ll have to tackle a legacy of debt, of low growth, of social
inequality, bequeathed to us by Westminster control of our economy,” he said.

“To break out of that system requires the ability and powers to mobilise
and invest in our natural and human resources.”

Renewable energy and better childcare are among the areas the Scottish
Government wants to focus on.

Mr Salmond said the paper provided the answers to 650 detailed questions on
independence.