THE UK Government has produced the first in a series of pamphlets on the referendum, intended to encourage a 'no' vote.

The documents, called referendum factsheets, are designed to accompany the more weighty Scotland Analysis series, which takes a department by department approach to countering the Scotland's Future White Paper.

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael launched the first paper today, which states Scots will face higher taxes, a threat to trade and jobs, uncertainty over currency and EU membership and the possibility of border controls between Scotland and England.

The eight-page pamphlet outlines: "five things to remember" about independence.

It includes:

l"Independence is the end of the UK" and says new infrastructure will take time and money to build.

lScotland benefits from more people paying into the UK public spending, offering better protection for the economy.

lSeparation could affect trade with the UK and cost jobs and income.

lScots would lose the influence the UK has in the EU, the UN and Nato.

lThe size and diversity of the UK offers benefits in culture, media, sport and the arts.

The paper offers a "Referendum Rundown" which argues, depending on the outcome of Scotland's negotiations with the EU, there could be a border with England which would require passports to be shown to cross over.

It said Scots can't assume to use the pound after independence stating: "It is hard to see how an economic union which satisfies both governments would be agreed on".

Mr Carmichael said: 'People in Scotland want to know the facts before they cast their vote in the referendum.

"The truth, however, is that most people want to have that information in a manner that is clear and to the point.

"That is why we are producing a series of information packs summarising the benefits of the UK in a shorter and sharper fashion.

"People are telling us that they want straightforward facts in a straightforward manner and that is what we are going to provide them with."

He said there would be more Scotland Analysis papers produced between now and the referendum day on September 18.

Last week Foreign Secretary, William Hague launched the latest, on the EU and international affairs, arguing Scots would pay more to be in the EU and would not get the budget rebate and opt outs the UK currently has.

The information packs will be distributed around the country and are also available on line at www.gov.uk/scottishreferendum

stewart.paterson@eveningtimes.co.uk