KATE Forbes has called for more "groundwork" to prepare for Scottish independence - arguing it's a "harsh truth" that too little preparation has been done.
The SNP leadership candidate said that public bodies have been "constrained" by devolution, and suggested creating new organisations to cover reserved matters to give the public confidence in Holyrood's abilities.
New bodies could be built to focus on issues like energy, finance and foreign affairs, she suggested, while calling for more preparation for a full Scottish civil service capable of running an independent country.
The leadership hopeful candidate also said more respect and co-operation is required within the wider Yes movement to ensure impactful campaigning.
Forbes said: “As a party we must mobilise the expertise we need to properly prepare for independence and give the people of Scotland confidence we know what we are about. The harsh truth is the groundwork isn’t quite there.
“For example, we need to plan for the building of a Scottish civil service to cover all the functions of an independent country. A lot of our public bodies are currently constrained by devolution, and we also need new institutions for energy, financial regulation and foreign affairs.
“Let’s engage professionally with the international community so we can ensure we are given international legitimacy – that means serious dialogue with bodies like the UN and the EU.
“Learn the lessons of how the UK dealt with the EU and lost – so we need to identify and build the capabilities of negotiators so we are not left exposed and shortchanged.”
Her comments came as Yousaf called for the creation of a Cabinet Secretary for Advancing Independence should he become the next first minister.
The Finance Secretary added: “I’m a democrat, and I know there are differences in political views amongst the Yes movement. But we need more respect across these differences if we are to build co-operation around our central purpose of independence.
“Just as I am very willing to work with those in the SNP who have slightly different policy priorities to me, as this leadership contest demonstrates, I will also work with those in the wider Yes movement – they deserve my respect too.
“If we are serious about independence, we need to ensure we maximise the impact of shared resources and campaign purposes.”
