Public Debt

What are the implications of independence for public revenues and spending?

Author / Creator: Graeme Roy

Media type: Assessment report

Date published: 2021

There is no question that an independent Scotland could run a sustainable budget. But like the UK, an independent Scotland would face major fiscal challenges both in the short and long run. Based upon the latest data, an independent Scotland is likely to face greater challenges than the UK as a whole (at least in the short-term).


The truth about the annual GERS figures.

Author / Creator: The National

Media type: News Media

Date published:

There is no set of official accounts that tells us how an independent Scotland’s economy would fare, nor what its finances would look like. 


How is Scotland in debt if it can't borrow?

Author / Creator: The National

Media type: News Media

Date published:

The accounts don’t suggest Scotland is in debt at all. People just don't understand how to analyse the UK Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland report (GERS).


How Scotland’s been tricked into thinking it’s too poor.

Author / Creator: The National

Media type: News Media

Date published:

A poll for Prospect Scotland found that 75% of Scottish voters would vote for independence if they felt that the economic plan for an independent Scotland meant we would be better off.