The Scottish government has released the long awaited "White paper" spelling out plans for independence, ahead of a referendum next year on whether to end its 306-year-old union with England.

The 670-page white paper presented by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, pledged to provide Scots a better economy and a more democratic society. The document includes no rise in the basic rate of tax, housing benefit reforms and membership of the EU.

With 10 months to the Scottish vote, many of the 5 million Scots are still undecided. The latest poll, published in the Sunday Times this week, says the gap had narrowed with 47 percent opposed to quitting the UK, 38 percent in favour and 15 percent undecided.