Scotland unveils blueprint for independence from UK

Scotland today unveiled a blueprint for its independence from the UK ahead of a historic referendum next year to end the 300-year union.
"Scotland's future is now in Scotland's hands," Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said at the launch of the 670-page "white paper" in Glasgow.
"It won't be decided by me, it won't be decided by our opponents, it won't be decided by the media. It will be decided by the people," Salmond said.
He said the paper addresses 650 questions that have been asked about issues such as the economy, how the welfare system would work and the implications for defence.

For the first time, the document sets out detailed plans for currency, taxation, childcare, welfare and other issues facing an independent Scotland. It also promises to "build a more democratic, more prosperous, fairer society".
Salmond, the head of the Scottish National Party, pledged to draft economic policy to Scottish businesses and industry.

On September 18, 2014, Scots will be asked the yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"
Salmond said independence would allow Scotland to harness its vast potential as a country.
"Ultimately at the heart of this debate there's only one question - do we, the people who live and work in Scotland, believe that we are the best people to take the big decisions about our future?"

Scotland was united with England in 1707 that laid the foundation for today's UK. The decision to hold referendum was agreed after negotiations with a strongly pro-independence government in power in Scotland since 2007.