All countries run deficits. Unfortunately for Scotland we don't have macroeconomic powers, so a government which we haven't voted for borrows money "on our behalf" to further policies which we don't want. Scotland as a region of the UK runs a deficit according to UK accounting None of this has anything to do with Scotland becoming an independent country. We will run a deficit initially as new institutions are founded and the country is restructured. As an independent state we can choose what's valuable (our NHS, EU membership, a fairer society etc)

Hi Richard, I'm a paediatric nurse with specialist training in critical care & with experience of advising boards on allocation of resources to maximise safety of sick kids in areas suffering access deprivation of health care services. Can we debate this issue sensibly please? I understand that @scottishlabour needs a lot of work, but it's a shame you are unwilling to talk about this. Forgive me if i push ahead without you, but please feel free to jump in at any time.