It is hard to overstate the economic importance of the U.S.A. to Scotland, and that makes it essential that we engage with companies and potential investors and get the message across that we are open for business.

My message is a simple one - the E.U. is not perfect, but Scotland's interests are best served by being a member.

Tory governments are bad for Scotland.

If Scotland was independent, we'd be the 14th richest country in the developed world.

Because of lower life expectancy in Scotland - something that we are working hard to improve - the average woman will get £11,000 less in pension payments than counterparts in the rest of the U.K., even though she will pay exactly the same in contributions.

People in Scotland don't take too kindly to being lectured by a Tory Chancellor.