HUNDREDS of journalists from around the world descended on Glasgow for the launch of the SNP's White Paper on independence.

Entitled Scotland's Future: Your Guide To An Independent Scotland, the hefty 670-page, 1.5kg document was launched at the Glasgow Science Centre at an event hosted by First Minister Alex Salmond and his deputy, Nicola Sturgeon.

A video was played in the hall to the assembled world's press before Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon took to the stage to face a grilling.

The White Paper, Mr Salmond said, outlines in detail how Scotland will look should voters go for independence.

Quizzed on wider issues, including membership of Nato and what currency Scotland would use, the SNP's top dogs answered calmly and with confidence.

Mr Salmond said he had met Nato and added: "We would be a welcome member of the North Atlantic Treat Organisation."

And on the currency, he said that remaining part of the pound would make sense both for an independent Scotland and for England.

There were more specific issues raised too, including Nicola Sturgeon's vow to transform childcare.

The paper outlines a plan to give every three and four-year-old in Scotland, as well as every vulnerable two-year-old free childcare equivalent to the time spent in primary school.

Mr Salmond also spoke of the SNP's plan to scrap the Westminster government's so-called 'bedroom tax', reduce Air Passenger Duty by 50% and maintain the Queen as Scotland's head of state.

As the white paper is mulled over in the coming weeks and months, the man who would be prime minister of an independent Scotland can expect further, more vigorous questioning.

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk