After 306 years of union with England and Wales Scotland today unveiled its blueprint for independence should Scots vote for it in next year’s referendum.

The Scottish government has produced a 670-page document outlining its vision for a future independent Scotland and the ruling Scottish National Party and First Minister Alex Salmond hope it will answer all the questions and doubts that have led to their “yes” vote campaign trailing in opinion polls.

The document addresses the economics of an independent nation of five million people, and it is money that has sapped the separatist’s cause as more and more people have raised doubts that an independent Scotland is economically viable.

Salmond hopes the SNP plan will be music to their supporters’ ears, and will convince the many undecided electors who will be crucial come the vote next September.