SCOTLAND will become independent "in more promising circumstances than virtually any nation in history" if the country votes Yes in September, according to the First Minister.

Alex Salmond will put forward his arguments for independence during a public meeting of the Scottish cabinet in Rutherglen today.

Mr Salmond will say: "I am going to argue that we need the powers of independence to create sustainable prosperity across the whole of Scotland and to ensure that everyone feels the benefits of that prosperity.

"If we vote Yes in September then Scotland will become independent in more promising circumstances than virtually any nation in history.

"Scotland has contributed more in taxes, per person, than the rest of the UK for every single one of the last 33 years."