An oil fund would be of huge benefit to Scotland, for generations to come. That point, at least, seemed to be accepted by Tom Miers, in his article Oil Fund Pipe Dream in yesterday’s Scotsman.

Setting aside that fundamental point of agreement, other parts of his argument are just plain wrong. Under the current, completely unfit for purpose constitutional arrangements, Scotland simply doesn’t have the power to set up an oil fund.

Scotland has no control over revenue from the North Sea, it all flows directly to the Treasury.

Added to that, our hands are effectively tied by treasury rules, which would prevent us from using any fund to invest in financial assets, such as bonds and equities, to provide a permanent revenue stream for the benefit of future generations.

Basically, the Treasury would not allow us to defer spending in this way, and would ultimately claw back any spending not used in the current financial year.

Suggestions that we get more than our fair share back from the UK in public spending are also as unsustainable as the financial rules imposed on Scotland. In fact, figures demonstrate that from 2005 to 2010, Scotland was in a stronger relative financial position than the UK by a total of £7.2 billion.

I should be clear, that even with these constraints, we are doing all we can to invest in Scotland’s infrastructure.

Overall, Government supported capital investment will rise by 25 per cent over the spending review period. We know that maintaining the pipeline of investment is the right thing to do for jobs and for our economy.

The crucial point is that we could do more. Our country is being held back by outdated rules imposed on us by Westminster. With full powers we could set up an oil fund and invest even more in the schools, hospitals and roads – to think of just a few examples – that will make us a more successful country for decades to come.

If you haven’t had your say on the consultation yet do so now by going to http://consult.scotland.gov.uk/scotreferendum

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil

Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance talks about extending the vote to 16 and 17 year olds, and encourages you to have your say.

Respond to the consultation: http://consult.scotland.gov.uk/scotreferendum

As a Government, we want Scotland to be the best place for children to grow up. And if we’re going to realise that ambition, we of course must make sure the voices of parents and carers are heard. Particularly in the ongoing debate on Scotland’s constitutional future.

We all know parents and carers are the strongest influence on a child’s development and by supporting them to build better lives for themselves and their families we can help every child get the best possible start.

That’s why it’s essential parents and carers across Scotland take part in the debate on our country’s future. After all, it’s they who are nurturing the Scots of tomorrow so it’s hugely important their voices are heard.  

We’re currently developing a National Parenting Strategy which will set out the value and importance of parenting and provide an overview of our work to support parents and carers of all children from pre-birth to young adulthood. As part of this we’re already speaking to parents and carers as well as a range of parenting organisations, looking to find out what they want from this strategy.  I’d like to widen this conversation to include as many parents and carers as possible, to find out what matters to them and make sure they have the opportunity to get involved in the consultation on the referendum that will have an influence on their children’s future.

Being a parent is an amazing experience, but as a mum myself I realise how tough it can be. We want to help parents, carers and families – by building their confidence and skills and helping them be all they can be for themselves and their children. I firmly believe that in doing so, we’ll help Scotland maximise its future potential and realise our ambition of our country being the best place in which to be a child.

So if you’re a parent or carer, we want you to get involved in the debate and tell us what matters to you and of course, your children.  The more of you we hear from the better!

You can get involved by filing in the consultation online at: http://consult.scotland.gov.uk/scotreferendum

This is your opportunity to have your say in the future Scotland you want for you and your family.

Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Young People

Did you know that your local council has more power to borrow money than the Scottish Government?

That is because, as it stands, the Scottish Government has absolutely no power to borrow money.

This inability to engage in one of the most basic elements of financial budgeting is holding Scotland back.

When you plan your household budget, there may be some larger items, like a car, or an extension for your house, that you really need, but cannot afford to buy out of everyday spending. In response you can take out a loan.

For most national governments, with full borrowing powers, they can do exactly the same. Hugely important projects, such as new bridges, roads, hospitals and schools can be funded through money that is loaned and then paid back over time. That just isn’t possible in Scotland today.

And borrowing does not just bring long term benefits, it can also make an immediate difference by injecting money into our economy. When times are tough, as they have been in the recent recession, Government can step in and fund building projects, supporting jobs and keeping the economy moving.

We will always do what we can within existing powers, which is why we brought forward additional Government spending, supporting some 5,000 jobs. But with the ability to borrow, we could have added to this significantly.

Of course, any borrowing has to be done prudently, and without unduly burdening future generations. Again, if you take out a loan for a car, that would always be done on the basis you can afford the repayments. Scottish Government borrowing would be no different.

But the ability to borrow is something Scotland needs – and needs now. We have recently allocated additional money to housing, transport and our plans to improve internet speeds across Scotland.

Given full borrowing powers we could do even more. We could build even more houses and improve our transport network even further, creating more jobs at a time when they are needed. Of course, this would be done with a careful eye to the future, ensuring we plan diligently for the years and decades to come.

Some may point to the limited proposals to allow this country to borrow in the Scotland Bill, but these are simply insufficient.  

I also seriously question why a modern, democratic country such as ours, should have its borrowing limit set by its neighbour. Surely that should be our decision to take.

Borrowing powers aren’t a fix all solution, but, used carefully, I have no doubt they could help Scotland. This is the kind of issue that makes the 2014 Independence Referendum so crucial.

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on the nature of the referendum and you have the chance to tell us how you think it should be run.  Have your say at http://consult.scotland.gov.uk/scotreferendum

Today I welcomed Prime Minister David Cameron to Scotland. In our meeting we discussed the forthcoming referendum, to take place in autumn 2014.

The issue that divides us is that the Prime Minister wants to insist on the Scottish people being asked just a single question in the referendum. I am determined that we will listen to the voice of civic Scotland, to how they respond to the consultation.

If people in the unions, the churches and in the voluntary sector in Scotland come forward with a substantive idea that they want to see tested, then politicians should listen to the people.

The second big development, of course, is that the UK Government is now talking about something else being on the table. What I said to the Prime Minister is, ‘okay, tell us what it is, give us the details of this proposal’.

When people vote on independence, they will know what independence is for. They will have a White Paper, they will have a defined proposal from the Scottish Government about an independent future for Scotland. And that means that the anti-independence parties, but particularly the UK Government, have got to bring forward what this other thing is, which apparently now – as of this morning – is on the table.

I said to the Prime Minister that it is absolutely incumbent on people who suddenly decide that there’s something else on the table, the parties who are opposed to independence, to tell Scotland what that is.

Have your say on the consultation: Your Scotland, Your Referendum.

First Minister Alex Salmond

The First Minister Alex Salmond told a capacity crowd at the London School of Economics (LSE) that Scotland would thrive economically post-independence — and gave the 400-strong gathering six practical examples of steps that could be taken, by an independent Scotland with control of fiscal policy within a Sterling monetary union.

Full audio of the speech (on SoundCloud)

In December major retailer Primark open its long-awaited store on Edinburgh’s Princes Street. This is significant for two reasons. Firstly it’s changed the shopping landscape on one of the world’s most famous streets. Secondly, it has brought more than 500 jobs to the city.

On visiting the store, I was very pleased to hear that 369 jobs have gone to young people aged 16-25, offering those who were successful a chance to take a step onto the career ladder, improve their employability and perhaps map out a long and fruitful career in retail.

I was able to briefly meet with some of the young trainees employed on site and was very much taken with their enthusiasm. This is a theme I have picked up in recent weeks, where I’ve been able to hear about the experiences and needs of young people who have found work.

Much of Primark’s success in Edinburgh has been achieved by the company working closely with the city council, Skills Development Scotland and Jobcentre Plus to help match up potential employees with the right vacancies and give young people the chance to shine. This is something I want to see more of and understand that Primark and West Lothian have done something similar for the opening of their Livingston store.

The Scottish Government has guaranteed every 16-19 year old a place in education or training through Opportunities for All and I have announced funding packages for Community Jobs Scotland and other parts of the third sector to work with employees on developing job opportunities.

However, we could do so much more to help young people into employment if we were a government with job creating powers and today’s employment figures underline the need for action.

The Scottish Government is delivering a budget for growth and we are using every lever available to us to secure new investment and create and safeguard jobs. But in order to maximise our capability of ensuring our young people can maximise their potential, such powers are vital and can only truly be grasped through independence and that is why we are currently consulting on the referendum on independence in 2014. Have your say on the consultation: Your Scotland, Your Referendum.

The future success of Scotland as a nation and agriculture is intertwined. Farming is key to Scotland and for this country to be successful in the future, we need a strong and successful agriculture industry.

At a time when the debate and discussion around Scottish independence is growing, it’s important that every farmer and crofter considers Scotland’s relationship with the rest of these islands, Europe and the wider world. What does this means for their livelihoods, communities and the future success of their industry?

Between now and autumn 2014, when everyone will have their say on Scotland’s future, the debate is going to dominate Scotland. That’s why I’m urging everyone – particularly those in agriculture – to contribute and have their say in the referendum consultation.

As a nation, we need to be able to speak up for ourselves, rather than relying on others to do so on our behalf. After five years as Rural Affairs Secretary, I believe more than ever that Scottish farmers’ interests would be best served by having a greater say over their own future.

With the power to make decisions here in Scotland, we would not need to spend so much valuable time and energy trying to lobby and influence UK governments. And if we were a player on the international stage, we could influence when decisions are being made that impact on Scotland.

It is an exciting journey that Scotland is on – as is the agriculture industry. There will be challenges ahead, but I’m convinced that a better Scotland and a better industry will be our final destination.

The First Minister welcomed the Secretary of State for Scotland to St Andrew’s House this morning to continue discussions on the holding of the independence referendum.

After the meeting had concluded, the First Minister said:

“I met with the Secretary of State for Scotland this morning, and I will meet with the Prime Minister on Thursday, taking forward discussions with a view to getting agreement on the manner in which the independence referendum will be held.”

In the Scottish Parliament today the leaders of all of Scotland’s political parties met to discuss Scotland’s Referendum.

We had a useful discussion on a range of issues in the ‘Your Scotland Your Referendum’ consultation – including the Scottish Government position that 16 and 17 year-olds on the electoral register should be entitled to vote in the referendum, as supported by the National Union of Students Scotland and Children First.

These issues will continue to be discussed among the parties, but much more importantly across Scottish society – the key point is that the terms of the referendum must be decided in Scotland, and not dictated by Westminster.

If you haven’t had your say on the consultation yet do so now by going to http://consult.scotland.gov.uk/scotreferendum

Cabinet Secretary for Parliamentary Business and Government Strategy Bruce Crawford