I HAVE long argued in this column and elsewhere that plans for an independent Scotland must take on board such issues as foreign policy and defence. To date, of course, these have remained reserved to UK Government decision-making.

The myopic notion espoused by some that these vital policy areas should automatically play second fiddle to other preparations for Scotland’s journey to statehood, I’ve always believed to be misguided.

Let’s just get indy done then we can think about such things afterwards, goes some prevailing thinking. Frankly, this kind of approach is not only naïve but would constitute a failure in planning that could augur badly for a Scotland facing pressing and immediate new challenges post-independence.

In other words, if ever there was a time to pay attention to the age-old motto “be prepared” then that time from now until Scotland chooses to go its own way is upon us.

Judging by the content of an important document to be launched next week that constitutes the SNP’s response to the UK Government’s Integrated Review of foreign policy, defence, security and development, then I’m pleased to say the signs point to somebody having done some serious joined-up thinking on Scotland’s behalf.

Much of the discussion these past months surrounding the Integrated Review has centred on a new vision for British foreign policy, a discussion made even more imperative by the calamitous decision by some to leave the EU.

It’s only right then that Scotland’s voice is heard loud and clear in this debate. And that’s precisely what the release of next week’s document SNP Submission To The Integrated Review does – to its great credit with authority and substantive detail.

The document’s fundamental message could not be clearer, stating unequivocally how the foreign and defence interests of Scotland have for far too long been ignored by the UK Government.

The time has come, it says, for a foreign policy “that properly represents the values and interests of Scotland”, ensuring equal merit is given to input from all the constituent parts of the UK.

In this regard it identifies three key areas that need addressing among many others.

The first is the creation of a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) fit for purpose. One capable of policymaking that protects Scottish interests and is able to project our values abroad, some of which stand in stark contrast to a UK Government fixated on projecting its power and influence globally in an era where its capacity to do so has long since passed.

The second key aspect, says the SNP, is to recognise the changing nature of the defence threats we face and respond in a way that involves a cross-government approach.

Which brings us to the third key component outlined in the submission – the existence of modern armed forces with a visible commitment to the rule of law and to values of accountability, transparency and integrity.

There is much about this document that shows the SNP in grown-up mode over foreign policy and defence. So often such issues, especially defence and security concerns, can seem at odds with the progressive nature of the politics many of us in favour of independence hold dear.

But there is reassurance aplenty in this document that such values are not being swept aside while the demands of realpolitik are still recognised.

At the outset there is the recognition that diplomacy can no longer be the preserve of a small, London-centric group. There is recognition, too, that devolved administrations like Scotland have unique foreign policy interests that are not adequately served by the UK FCDO.

The submission also notes that there is a need for a comprehensive defence and security agreement with the European Union alongside the fact that large sections of Scottish civil society stand firmly against weapons of mass destruction.

The need to commit wholeheartedly to multilateral nuclear disarmament, it says, are vital. Likewise a commitment to “Climate Justice” is called for, as is spending by the UK in line with the approach of the Scottish Government, described by the UN rapporteur on climate change as “exemplary”.

It’s time also the UK Government sat up and took notice of Scotland’s close links to Northern Europe reflected in Scottish Government policy, such as in their Nordic/Baltic Policy Statement. Now is the moment, the submission argues, for such unique interests to be acknowledged by the UK Government and to talk with Scotland’s leaders when making regional policy.

It highlights also how Boris Johnson’s government appears to have also overlooked the fact that Scotland and the UK are North Atlantic nations, the most northerly not to sit on the Arctic Council, yet in both the 2010 and 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review there was no mention of this, outside a very broad commitment to Nato.

AND so the litany of differences between the UK and Scottish approaches are laid out meticulously, from upholding human rights to the vulnerabilities created for national security through certain corporate appointments.

Going through the submission’s bullet points and more detailed elaboration of the issues, I found myself realising that this in effect was a blueprint for Scotland’s direction of travel when it comes to foreign policy and defence.

While obviously aspects have been tailored to address the current relationship that exists with the UK Government over reserved issues, at its heart is the essence of how Scotland would approach foreign policy, defence and international relations should it go on to chose the path of independence.

For now it does a fine job of pressing the UK Government to think again about the obvious anomalies and re-address its approach “beyond the governing party in Westminster, beyond Whitehall and beyond London”.

For those who complain we don’t see enough real signs of the preparation and backroom work being done on the big issues Scotland will have to confront with statehood, this document should allay certain fears.

Yes, admittedly what it contains is still bound by the limits reserved issues demand. But for once it shows awareness, a readiness and clear thinking towards foreign policy and defence issues that will serve Scotland well when the time comes for us to make our own decisions.

David Pratt will be taking a more detailed look at the SNP’s Submission To The Integrated Review in this weekend’s edition of the Sunday National