Nicola Sturgeon has set out her vision for what an independent Scotland would look like with a new paper.
The First Minister launched the first in a series of new papers aimed at making a fresh case for independence.
Entitled, 'Independence in the Modern World.Wealthier, Happier, Fairer: Why Not Scotland?' it covers a number of areas the government wants to explore ahead of any referendum vote.
The SNP has refused to put a date on the vote but wants it held by the end of next year.
Boris Johnson has repeatedly refused to permit such a ballot - but Sturgeon blasted him, saying the Prime Minister has "no democratic authority in Scotland and no moral authority anywhere in the UK".
Sturgeon was accompanied by Green minister Patrick Harvie at the press conference where they spoke about the new paper and took questions from journalists.
She said: "After everything that has happened - Brexit, Covid, Boris Johnson - it is time to set out a different and better vision.
"It is time to talk about making Scotland wealthier and fairer. It is time to talk about independence and then make that choice."
Here are five things you need to know about the press conference:
Boris Johnson negotiation
During the press conference Sturgeon was asked about whether she has spoken to Boris Johnson about the publication of the paper.
She said she hadn't but was willing to negotiate with him in order to get a joint agreement for another referendum.
The FM said: “The other thing that I think is pertinent here is that we have a UK Government that does not respect democracy and does not respect the rule of law. We saw that very powerfully as recently as yesterday.
“Ultimately, while I think it would be better for the people of Scotland and the people of the UK if we had two governments able to sit down on that democratic basis and agree that we disagree on the substance of independence but agree the process by which the people of Scotland would decide, that would be far better.”
Border with England
Nicola Sturgeon was probed about a border with England if an independent Scotland joins the European Union in the future.
The First Minister admitted there will be issues if Scotland is in the single market.
Issues with Scotland's border will be addressed in other papers which are due to be released in the coming months.
Sturgeon spoke about the Northern Ireland protocol during the press conference saying the UK Government is a "deep mess" over it.
She said: "Much of the mess the UK Government is in is because of a lack of being honest with people.
"That's a mistake we need to ensure that we don't replicate.
"I'm not going to shy away from any of these issues. I think the benefits of Scotland being independent far outweigh any of these challenges."
Why not Scotland?
Nicola Sturgeon used the phrase 'Why not Scotland?' on a number of occasions throughout her opening speech.
The Scottish Government's 'I ndependence in the Modern World. Wealthier, Happier, Fairer: Why Not Scotland?' paper mentioned 10 small nations that an independent Scotland could look towards.
Ireland, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Iceland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium and Finland are all mentioned in the paper and how they compare to the UK.
Sturgeon said: "Comparable neighbouring countries with different characteristics. Countries that, in many cases, lack the abundance of resources that Scotland is blessed with. But all of them independent and, as we show today, wealthier and fairer than the UK."
Alex Salmond
Sturgeon was asked at the press conference if she would share a platform with former First Minister Alex Salmond during the campaign.
She attempted to bat away the issue by having a pop at the question asked.
The SNP leader said: "That probably qualifies as one of the least important questions of the entire independence debate.
"It's not about me, it's not about Alex Salmond. With the greatest of respect, it is not even about Patrick Harvie - it's about the future of Scotland."
Salmond and Sturgeon's relationship has soured since the last election in 2014.
'Refreshed' case
The Scottish Government's new push for independence is being called a 'refreshed' case by the First Minister.
Sturgeon said an independent Scotland would allow the country to choose a different approach to Brexit Britain.
She added: "Scotland, like countries across the world, faces significant challenges.
"But we also have huge advantages and immense potential. The refreshed case for independence is about how we equip ourselves to navigate the challenges and fulfil that potential, now and in future."
She continued: "In their day-to-day lives, people across Scotland are suffering the impacts of the soaring cost of living, low growth and increasing inequality, constrained public finances and the many implications of a Brexit we did not vote for.
"These problems have all been made worse or, most obviously in the case of Brexit, directly caused by the fact we are not independent.
"So at this critical juncture we face a fundamental question. Do we stay tied to a UK economic model that consigns us to relatively poor economic and social outcomes which are likely to get worse, not better, outside the EU?
"Or do we lift our eyes, with hope and optimism, and take inspiration from comparable countries across Europe?"
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