The SNP has set out its vision for a referendum on Scottish independence.

First Minister Alex Salmond launched a White Paper, for a vote on constitutional reform - entitled Your Scotland, Your Voice - saying: "It's time for the people to have their say on Scotland's future."

The St Andrew's Day announcement was aimed at paving the way for the referendum which the Scottish National Party hopes to see next year, despite opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament saying that they will block the move.

The wording of the referendum is not disclosed in the White Paper, but it sets out four possible scenarios for Scotland.

Read the White Paper in full here >

Watch White Paper video presentation here >

These are the status quo, the reformed devolution as recommended by the Calman Commission, an enhanced form of devolution that would see most issues other than defence and foreign affairs devolved to Edinburgh, and full independence. 

Mr Salmond said: "The debate in Scottish politics is no longer between change or no change - it's about the kind of change we seek and the right of the people to choose their future in a free and fair referendum."

He added: "This historic document sets out the case for Scottish independence with unprecedented depth and clarity."

The First Minister said Scottish popular opinion had moved "far beyond" wanting no change and he insisted the Calman Commission on devolution - supported by Labour, the Tories, the Liberal Democrats, but not the Nationalists - fell short of public need.

Mr Salmond said Westminster was "refusing" to make any progress on issues like devolving control over airguns this side of an election and "substantial doubt" as to what would happen after an election.

He said: "This White Paper charts the route to progress for Scotland and we are calling on people of all parties and none who want real and substantive additions to the powers of the Parliament to rally to the referendum campaign.

"That is why we are open to including the option of such powers on the referendum ballot paper, alongside independence."

Watch First Minister's news conference here >

Watch STV News Political Editor Bernard Ponsonby's analysis here>