ON August 14, I was delighted to launch a new Government White Paper.
The contents of that paper will trigger what I believe will be a new
era of constitutional reform and debate.

I believe it's time everyone in Scotland paused for a moment to
consider and discuss where our future lies and how we can shape and
mould our country's success and evolution.

A 'national conversation' is what we need - an opportunity for Scots
to discuss their future rather than have it dictated to them. This is
the opportunity for the people to have their say and for everyone in
Scotland to explore and express what they want for their country and
for themselves.

It is true that there is a range of opinion across Scotland, not just
among those at Holyrood, but across the nation.

This is why I believe so strongly that the people, not the
politicians, should choose the right path for Scotland. After all,
when asked in every poll, a vast majority of more than 80% of people
support a referendum, and of course the right to choose. The proposal
which has been published by us will give every Scottish voter that
right, if it is passed by Parliament.

We have gone further in our attempts than ever before to present to
the people the challenges, options and opportunities that Scottish
Independence would bring. I believe that is a fair and proper way to
gather opinion and debate and let the people have their say.

In the North-east, I am always struck by just how vocal and dynamic
the people are. Whenever I am out and about in Banff and Buchan, I
find people are keen to talk and discuss their future, the future of
their area and how we can improve, grow and develop. We need that kind
of robust discussion on a national level.

The North-east is one of the fastest developing areas in Scotland,
with high employment and an increasing population; it is clear to see
that folk in the area have a commitment and drive to make a success of
their futures.

I believe everyone in Scotland can have that attitude, but to do it
they need to be given the option and understand the debate. This is
what we aim to do: giving the people the tools and the information to
decide what kind of nation they want for their families, children,
grandchildren and generations to come.

A national conversation can be had anywhere; at home, in school, at
work, on-line, in the media and of course in Parliament; but it's not
just a conversation for the politicians - it's for everyone in
Scotland.

Devolution of broadcasting

SCOTLAND is a nation of great communicators, and good communication is
a trait on which many Scots pride themselves. We are, after all, the
nation who invented the television and the telephone.

Yet, close to home, we find that our own powers of communication are
under-funded and lacking in confidence and development. That is not to
say we do not have great programmes and talent emerging, but we can do
better and do more to have power and influence over the programmes we
make.

Broadcasting plays a crucial and integral role in our democracy, and a
key role in how we Scots see ourselves. We must therefore ensure that
our editors, producers, broadcasters and independent companies have
the ways and means to develop our image and obtain the full cultural
and economic benefit of the industry.

My Government supports the devolution of broadcasting powers to the
Scottish Parliament, so that we have the ability and power to nurture
and develop our talent, and have a public service broadcaster that
supports that notion.

We have seen increased regionalisation of Scottish news, and the
various regions in Scotland, including the North-east, having its own
bulletins on STV. This needs to be taken further.

The ongoing debate over a 'Scottish Six' has gone on for more than a
decade, but there is now, more than ever, a need to have this debate
at a higher level - over Scotland having its own combination of
television news and current affairs that covers all of the issues, but
gives people in Scotland their own perspective on matters.

Having control of our own broadcasting is a key part of Scotland being
in control of its own affairs, and vital to the development of our
culture and economy.