Where is the credible independence road map?

To her credit Joyce Mcmillan articulated the real challenges facing the pro-independence movement, about which many leading SNP figures seem to be in denial (Scotsman, 12 November).

The plan, the vision, the distinctive policies, the robust answers, the road map for which she calls seem to be no nearer than they were nearly a decade ago.

There is a need for a credible White Paper on how independence can be achieved; one that does not confuse the mechanics of the constitutional question with what the SNP might like to achieve in government. The 2013 prospectus Scotland's Future made exactly that mistake, leaving the Yes side open to all sorts of criticism. The really important questions of defence, the currency, citizenship, pensions and the welfare state, Scotland's status in terms of international finance, the environment were hardly explained at all.

The matter of the transition after independence has never been fully thought through. The setting up of two states – Scotland and Rest of the of the UK – will require the most detailed negotiation and legislation. Even if we leave aside the complex issue of Scotland joining the European Union, there is the vexed matter of the national debt and Scotland's share of public spending.

Last time this was fudged by a bland statement of both sides agreeing to "respect” the outcome of a referendum. But it could only mean one thing; the most detailed haggling about the economics of the two new states, in which there was likely only to be one winner.

That leaves the Yes side with a dilemma. Does it want to achieve independence on the back of just over 50 per cent support of the electorate. Or does it want to wait till support of 60 per cent or over to strengthen negotiators' arms in those crucial talks?

Next Spring's local elections might signal whether there has been progress towards that degree of support.

BOB TAYLOR Glenrothes, Fife