Humza Yousaf

It's the natural state for any nation's people to be able to make decisions for themselves. With Holyrood we already make decisions on education, crime, health etc, and it's clear we pursue a very different path to the UK Government. Think what we could do if we had control over our own welfare system, economy, foreign affairs and immigration system.

The core argument for Scottish independence is that all the decisions about Scotland should be made by those who care the most about Scotland - that is by definition the Scottish people.

Nobody suggests for a second that independence would be a magic wand that would rid us of all the difficult challenges that we face. However, be it in good times or bad it is is surely better to have the economic and social levers in our own hands in our own hands rather than at the whim of another Government.

I'm early!

Although never being complacent about these things, I can't see that happening in Scotland. If we take our current example of devolution, Glasgow is the local authority that has had the most funding of any mainland council.

Every region/town/city of Scotland has its own strengths. It's important that with independence we unleash their full potential - including Aberdeen, which as Scotland's energy capital is an essential part of our economy.

Firstly the debate is about independence not separation.

Secondly I am absolutely delighted that voting equality is being restored for young people - at least here in Scotland anyway.

It is completely unjustifiable that we allow our 16 and 17 year olds to pay tax and contribute towards national services, but not have any say in how they are run. It is illogical to allow our 16 and 17 year olds to have sex and have children but have no say in what kind of Government their children should live under, so I'm very pleased that they will have that right come the referendum in 2014.

Still Game... but the one I miss is Chewing The Fat!

Yes you will have the option to have dual nationality if you wish.

Our position has been consistent, we've always said that we would inherit our defence infrastructure from the UK. We campaigned directly from the First Minister through to the grassroots to keep the bases open. It's with deep regret that the UK Government didn't listen.

We outlined our defence policy at conference yesterday. Recommend you have a read of the motion.

We are currently members of the EU. As a Scot I am an EU citizen. There is no procedure to no longer make me an EU citizen, so therefore we would be negotiating from a position of being within the EU.

I think the facts and figures substantially back our case for independence. The fact that the Government's own figures show that Scotland pays its own way puts to bed the idea that our nation is reliant upon the rest of the UK.

Now that the Edinburgh Agreement has been signed, the process has been agreed and we can now get talking about the substance of the debate. Yes Scotland has a good introduction to some of the key facts and figures which you can read here

I'm always bewildered when I meet those who don't think that Scotland can survive on its own. We have 25% of Europe's green energy potential, three of the world's top 100 universities and are rich in oil and gas. We're a hub of research and life science technology and have a history of innovation and invention - yet people somehow think we can't survive on our own.

Sometimes I think the labels of being either on the left or the right can be unhelpful. The SNP has always been a party that believes in social justice, but ultimately our core belief is that the decisions about Scotland's future - be they economic or social - are best made by those who care most about Scotland's interests, and that is the Scottish people.

After independence people can vote for a Government on the left, a Government on the right; whatever type of Government they wish. Currently we don't have that right.

Cheers Eric! Hope you are doing well and feel free to pop your head in the parliamentary office the next time you are in Edinburgh.