IT’S small enough to fit into your pocket or bag but the new booklet Scotland & Independence is set to make a big impact on the campaign for the nation to regain its status as an independent nation.

Written by prominent Yes activists Ian Grant and John Brown, Scotland & Independence is a smart 40-page booklet that contains practically all the information Yes campaigners would need. If, say, they were meeting new Scots anxious to find out about independence, or those people who haven’t made up their mind yet – the “mibbies”, as we have called them.

Some 50,000 booklets will be printed and published this week. Thanks to a generous donation from the Scottish Independence Foundation (SIF), the booklet is free of charge, though a small, or even large, donation to SIF would be appreciated.

We are delighted to say that at some stage over the next few days we will be announcing a major initiative with the producers of Scotland & Independence in which we will distribute a booklet with every copy of The National – look out for details in future.

We have also obtained a proof copy of the booklet and can assure readers and the wider Yes movement that Scotland & Independence is a valuable asset for Yes activists at this time.

That’s because it not only addresses the economic case for independence but also looks at the historical and cultural aspects of Scots regaining this nation, making a positive case for a renewed Scotland to take its place in the world.

The introduction succinctly sums up what Scotland & Independence is all about: “The aim of this booklet is to describe briefly the case for an independent Scotland. Importantly it will set out a brief history of our nation, our progress towards independence, the setting up of our country’s institutions and our relationship with our close neighbours and friends England, Wales and Ireland and our relationship with the rest of Europe and the wider world.

“A clear picture of where we are coming from, where we are heading and what we expect our country to be will be set out to inform all with an interest in our cause. We hope this will be particularly helpful and informative for all ‘new Scots’ and indeed anyone who may wish to increase their knowledge of our wonderful country and its potential as an independent nation. Our national story underpins our case for regaining our country’s independence.”

The booklet is most definitely not a party political manifesto. For instance it lays out the options or choices that would face Scots after independence is won – the thorny currency issue is examined in a fair and balanced manner - but is also not afraid to propose controversial policies on numerous issues.

It states: “An independent Scotland will have a written constitution to enshrine clearly defined principles of governance whilst recognising individual rights and responsibilities ... A popular vote by referendum will decide the hereditary or elected status of the Head of State.”

Ian Grant told The National: “There have been at least six elections since the referendum of 2014, and Scottish independence has figured highly in each.

“Yet since the over-weighty white paper Scotland’s Future published in 2013, there has been nothing published putting the case for, or describing the process of Scottish independence. The SNP has not published any booklet on this subject for much longer – yet the SNP are the party of independence.

“We are told that we need to have 60% of the electorate supporting independence in opinion polls before we call indyref2, yet there are limited useful materials to help Yes campaigners make the case or describe the process – the why and how of independence. It is difficult to campaign without supporting literature.

“I felt it was essential to have a pocket-sized reference book which deals with the case for independence, and the many questions surrounding it such as the economy, currency, borders and EU membership. This booklet could be used by Yes campaigners to help them rebut and reframe questions and could be given to undecided voters when canvassing.

“The booklet was partly made possible by a grant from the Scottish Independence Foundation (SIF), and while there is no charge, I would request that people using the booklet consider a donation to SIF (sif.scot). Local Yes groups could make a small charge or request donations to boost funds.

“We don’t know the outcome of the May Holyrood election, or whether a referendum will follow soon, but irrespective of the result or the imminence of a referendum, we need to persuade and convince people of the need for independence to allow Scotland to fulfil its potential. Hence campaigning for independence will go on, and this wee book aims to help both campaigners and voters.”