A substantial contribution but the court of public opinion will decide

BEFORE the last referendum, the Scottish Government published what was meant to be a blueprint for an independent Scotland.

It’s been criticised even from within the SNP, though much appears harsh as the value of oil constantly changes.

If anything, it’s coverage was too wide in many areas and insufficiently detailed in others. That more than price the of oil damaged it.

The SNP have sought to learn lessons from that with the publication of the Scottish Growth Commission report. It’s much more tightly focused on economic growth and other social policies, and devoid of the myriad of detail in the previous document on everything from agriculture to the security services.

Though civil servants did their best on the last occasion, this is a much heavier weight document. Understandable given its given its more limited remit yet considerably greater academic and expert input.

It’ll be subject to the same scrutiny and much the same criticism as its predecessor, though it’ll perhaps be harder for opponents to score hits.

Treated almost as an academic document and subject to considerable review before publication, the credentials of its authors will sustain it from some but not all attacks.

After all academic documents are themselves subject to visceral debate.

It’s hard though to see how those who oppose independence will be persuaded but hostility from some may be mellowed given the credibility of the authors.

Likewise, suggestions of splits in the independence campaign over its growth agenda and reference to free markets states such as New Zealand are spurious.

As with “Scotland’s Future” many will campaign for the cause albeit with a different vision of the Scotland they seek.

Issues like currency are complex and slow burn which is why the delay in publication of it has been surprising. Persuading everyone is impossible but having a credible argument essential. Many people will feel unqualified to comment on some issues but are persuaded by the general credibility surrounding an argument and especially the stature of those supporting it.

So, it’s a substantial contribution on the social and economic arguments for independence adding ballast and some credibility. But, at the end of the day the court of public opinion will decide.

Persuading everyone is impossible but having a credible argument is essential