First Minister Alex Salmond today promised "a new chapter in Scottish politics" as he set out the SNP's plans for a referendum on independence.
The minority SNP administration at Holyrood today set out its plans for a referendum on Scottish independence in a 40-page document. Choosing Scotland's Future - A National Conversation.
In an introduction to the document, First Minister Alex Salmond said May's Holyrood election showed voters wanted "further development of the way we govern ourselves in Scotland".
He said: "We in the government believe that independence would be the best for our country. Others support increased devolution, or greater responsibility for taxes and spending, or federalism.
"But whatever the differences between the political parties, message of the election was obvious - the constitutional position of Scotland must move forward."
The document says more devolution, or independence, would need legislation probably both at Westminster and Holyrood. Substantially enhanced devolution would "arguably" - and independence would certainly - require public consent through a referendum, it added.
The cost of a referendum was put by Mr Salmond at £7 million.
The document sets out those powers reserved to Westminster - which include the constitution, national security, economic policy, and immigration - and it goes on to list extra powers that could go to Scotland within a devolved framework.
These include greater tax and spending responsibilities, economic policy, company and competition law, and Scotland "assuming responsibility" for oil and gas reserves in Scotland and Scottish waters.