( CNN ) -- An independent Scotland would retain Queen Elizabeth II as head of state , keep the pound sterling currency , and remain within the European Union , according to a policy document presented by Scotland 's devolved government Tuesday . The release of the draft plan -- known as a white paper -- comes ahead of next year 's referendum on independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland . The September 18 2014 referendum will allow Scots a straight yes-or-no vote on staying in the union . If they vote yes , the country 's first independent election would be held on May 5 , 2016 , according to the white paper . Releasing the `` Scotland 's Future '' document in Glasgow , Scotland 's First Minister and Scottish National Party ( SNP ) leader Alex Salmond said `` Scotland 's future is in Scotland 's hands . '' `` This white paper is the most detailed blueprint that any people have ever been offered anywhere in the world as a basis for becoming an independent country , '' he said . `` It puts beyond doubt that an independent Scotland would start from a position of strength -- in fact become independent in more promising circumstances than virtually any other nation in history . '' But Better Together campaign leader and former British finance minister Alistair Darling said it was `` a fantasy '' to say Scotland could leave the UK but keep all the benefits of UK membership . `` The white paper is a work of fiction . It is thick with false promises and meaningless assertions . Instead of a credible and costed plan , we have a wish-list of political promises without any answers on how Alex Salmond would pay for them , '' the Scottish lamaker said . In his presentation , Salmond highlighted what he said was Scotland 's `` underlying economic strength . '' `` An independent Scotland could have the eighth-highest economic output and the tenth-highest national income per head of population in the whole of the developed world , '' he said . The plan says over the past 32 years , Scotland has contributed more tax per head of population than the UK as a whole and on independence would continue to have healthier public finances than the UK . But the country would retain the pound sterling as its currency as part of a `` formal Sterling Area , '' it says . Monarch . Other key points outlined in the paper including maintaining Britain 's Queen Elizabeth II as Scotland 's official head of state . It says an independent Scotland would have a points-based immigration system , targeted at Scotland 's particular needs and would ensure that British citizens `` habitually resident '' in Scotland would automatically be considered Scottish citizens . Existing Scottish citizens would have the right but not the obligation to hold a Scottish passport . Foreign policy . The paper says an independent Scotland would establish its own network of overseas embassies and consulates but would have a `` close and constructive '' relationship with the rest of the UK on many foreign policy issues . The government 's policy is to remain inside the European Union , the paper says . `` Following a vote for independence , the Scottish Government will immediately seek discussions with the Westminster Government and with the member states and institutions of the EU to agree the process whereby a smooth transition to full EU membership can take place on the day Scotland becomes an independent country . '' Defense . An independent Scotland would make `` an early agreement on the speediest safe removal of nuclear weapons a priority , '' the paper says . `` This would be with a view to the removal of ( Britain 's nuclear deterrent program ) Trident within the first term of the Scottish Parliament following independence , '' the paper says . Scotland would negotiate with NATO to become an independent and non-nuclear member of the defense alliance , it said and would commit to a Â£2.5 billion ( $ 3.38B ) defense budget , building to a total of 15,000 regular defense personnel . `` We are prepared to negotiate arrangements for the continued use of defense infrastructure in Scotland by UK forces and vice versa , at least for a transitional period , '' it added . The Act of Union joined Scotland and England in 1707 and Scotland is currently governed under the umbrella of the British government in Westminster in London , alongside Wales and Northern Ireland . Westminster returned some autonomy to the three nations , and gave them the right to form their own parliaments , in the late 1990s . British Prime Minister David Cameron and Salmond , signed a deal in October 2012 paving the way for Scots to vote on independence from the United Kingdom . Read more : New deal could lead to Scotland 's independence .
Scots are due to vote in a referendum for independence on Tuesday . It could see the United Kingdom of Great Britain leave Northern Ireland and Scotland . The British government released a `` blueprint '' for an independent Scotland Tuesday . The paper says Scotland would stay within the EU and retain the pound sterling and .