As the national conversation begins, the Unionist parties will no doubt continue to argue that independence would bring no benefits to Scotland. Well, here are just a few of the advantages I suggest would accrue.

First, Scotland would no longer be subject to economic and tax policies inappropriate to our particular needs. We would be responsible for our own economy, and be free to set our own personal and business tax rates to suit Scotland's requirements. We would collect and retain our own tax revenues, including those from North Sea oil (and I suspect that those revenues might be much more than suggested in the annual Gers reports). We would have to learn to live within our own means and budget accordingly, and the Scottish Parliament would be directly responsible to the people of Scotland.

We could set our own modest defence budget, no longer have to pay a share of the cost of nuclear weapons and the replacement for Trident (pictured), and get rid of that monstrosity from Scottish waters. We would no longer be part of a nation still pretending to be a world power and would not have to contribute to the huge costs of sending armed forces (including Scots) to invade and interfere in other countries around the world.

Within the European Union, Scotland's interests would be directly represented on such matters as fisheries and agriculture policies, instead of having to rely on ill-informed and uninterested UK ministers. Like other small nations, we would have a proper number of MEPs in the European Parliament and a seat in the EU Commission and Council of Ministers. Scotland would also have a seat at the United Nations, able to speak and vote on international affairs.

We could tailor foreign policies and overseas representation to suit our own needs and resources, rather than be charged arbitrary sums by the UK Treasury. We would make our own decisions on whether to have a new generation of nuclear power stations, and on wind, wave and tidal energy resources to meet the challenge of global warming.

Scotland would no longer be dominated by a neighbour with 10 times our population and by a UK parliament with a large majority of MPs representing English constituencies. Instead, having our own national status, we could develop a healthy and more equal relationship with England and with other neighbouring countries. We would no longer face the erroneous charge that Scotland is heavily subsidised by English taxpayers. And the West Lothian Question would be answered once and for all.

Why do those opposing independence (which for some reason they insist on calling separatism) think that the Scots are uniquely incapable of looking after our own affairs and prospering, which many other countries of similar size and with far fewer resources seem to manage? Could the Unionists provide an equivalent list of the advantages of Scotland remaining a minor partner in a Union that has now passed its sell-by date?

Iain A D Mann, 7 Kelvin Court, Glasgow.