1. Introduction and Conclusion Task Write an intro and conclusion for the following essay: Independence is the best way forward for Scotland. Discuss.

2. Knowledge and Analysis Independence is the best way forward for Scotland. Discuss. Firstly, many people in Scotland argue that Scotland can be a successful independent country. One reason for this is because Scotland will potentially save billions of pounds a year by scrapping nuclear weapons. Britain’s only nuclear submarine base and missile system, Trident, is based at Faslane on the River Clyde and the costs of maintaining this base are astronomical. Since Scotland will save billions of pounds by scrapping Trident, Scottish tax-payer money could be put to better use. For example, more money could be invested in the Scottish national health service or in Scottish schools. This clearly shows that an independent Scotland would be better off as Scotland could invest in more useful areas such as education and health.

3. Knowledge and Analysis Independence is the best way forward for Scotland. Discuss. However, opponents of independence would argue that having the Nuclear base at Faslane is beneficial to the Scottish economy. Around 8,000 people are employed at Faslane. This means that thousands of Scottish jobs would be put at risk if Scotland becomes independent which suggests that perhaps independence would be harmful to Scotland’s future. Although, Alex Salmond has also argued that the jobs lost would be replaced by the creation of jobs for the new Scottish Defence Force. To sum up, it could be argued that independence would beneficial to Scotland as the country will benefit from money saved by scrapping nuclear weapons, although there may be a negative impact in terms of job losses.