First Minister Alex Salmond and his deputy Nicola Sturgeon have unveiled their vision for an independent Scotland over the next 10 years.
They claimed a Yes vote was the “opportunity of a lifetime” – albeit not a magic wand – to use the country’s wealth to create a more prosperous and fairer country.
The SNP MSPs said their priorities were increasing free childcare provision and diverting taxes used to pay for nuclear weapons to fund public services.
They added that they wanted to build on the target of 30,000 modern apprenticeships by 2020 and protect Scotland’s NHS from the privatisation and cuts agenda of the Tories at Westminster.
The Scottish Government wants to set a retirement age in line with Scottish circumstances, because by 2024 people will have to work until they are 67 before they can draw a pension.
Speaking in Glasgow yesterday, Mr Salmond said: “Scotland is one of the richest countries in the world, wealthier per head than France, the UK and Japan.
“But for far too many people and families in Scotland it doesn’t feel that way.
“The No campaign are offering no vision for Scotland.
“But from now until polling day Yes will concentrate on a vision of a better Scotland – a more equal country, where everyone has the chance to get on in life and where opportunities are for the many not the few.”
The pair have led the SNP since 2004.
Ms Sturgeon said: “I think we’ve made significant progress in those 10 years but we’re looking ahead and asking people to imagine what Scotland can look like 10 years from now if we vote Yes.
“It’s fair to say we both hope the best moment is yet to come in two weeks time when people vote Yes and what we’re asking people to do is not look back and look forward.”
Mr Salmond has said he will serve out his term as first minister if there is a No vote in the referendum on September 18 – an aspiration backed by his deputy.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Independence is not a magic wand.
“But we can realise our vision of a fairer and more prosperous country by grasping this opportunity of a lifetime to make the wealth of Scotland work much better for the people who live here.”