Salmond publishes plan for independence by 2011

The SNP leader unveiled a 28-page document which, he said, would form the basis of the legislation breaking Scotland from the Union.

It is the most detailed and comprehensive explanation of the process of independence and the mechanics of separation ever published.

The document, Raising the Standard, will be used to launch the Convention on Independence, which will meet for the first time tomorrow to try to establish a cross-party platform for independence.

Mr Salmond said he was working on a four-year timetable from emerging as the largest party at the next Scottish election in 2007, through a referendum to the establishment of an independent Scotland by 2011.

He also published, for the first time, the statement he would put to the Scottish people in a referendum.

The referendum asks for a mandate for the Scottish Parliament to negotiate with Westminster. It is carefully worded because only Westminster and not the Scottish Parliament can legislate for independence.

The statement reads: "The Scottish Parliament should negotiate a new settlement with the British government so that Scotland becomes a sovereign and independent state - Yes I agree, or No, I disagree."

A referendum would have to be part of any coalition agreement, Mr Salmond stressed.

If Scots agreed, the Executive would begin talks with Westminster on details of a final settlement and on the transfer of powers to the Scottish Parliament, while informing the United Nations and European Union.

A declaration of Scottish sovereignty would be drawn up by the parliament in Edinburgh and, according to Mr Salmond, the following Holyrood elections, in May 2011, would be within an independent nation.

The Nationalist leader said it was time to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the devolved parliament, nearly seven years after it was established.

He said he was putting his party's independence plans before the electorate now, 18 months before the elections, so people knew exactly what they were voting for.

Most of the document focuses on how rather than why Scotland should become independent.

Under the SNP plans, if Scots backed independence Westminster would then have to repeal the Act of Union 1707 and amend the Scotland Act 1998 which established the devolved parliament, to ensure Scotland became a sovereign nation state.

The paper also confirms the Nationalists' commitment to retain the Queen as head of state for an independent Scotland for as long as Scots want her to remain so. A separate referendum would also be required post- independence to replace sterling with the euro.

The paper also proposes allowing the continuation of cross-Border services, including the BBC, Post Office and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, until distinct Scottish arrangements are made.

Mr Salmond said: "We will take full control of Scotland's resources, levy our own taxes and conclude our own international treaties.

"Our nation will, after 300 years, rejoin the world as an equal nation state.

"The Scottish Parliament will then have all the powers it needs to make a difference to the lives of the people of Scotland."

He continued: "With its new responsibilities, our parliament will be in a position to deliver vigorous sustainable growth in the Scottish economy.

"We will be free to make our own decisions about war and peace, and for once will ensure that Scottish interests are properly represented around the world."