Independence: what you need to know

Defence and Security

An independent Scotland would focus on keeping people in Scotland safe, supporting human rights, and helping other countries around the world.

Defence  

With independence, this Scottish Government believes Scotland’s defence and security priorities would be based on three main areas:  

• joining NATO 

• working with the EU on security 

• building strong relationships with the UK and other countries for defence 

Scotland would apply to join NATO straight after independence and support NATO’s defence principles.  

Scotland would help with missions that support peace and security around the world. 

Nuclear weapons 

This Scottish Government is clear that nuclear weapons should not be kept in Scotland and should be removed as safely and quickly as possible after independence. 

This Scottish Government believes this would not stop Scotland from defending itself or joining NATO. Most NATO countries don’t have nuclear weapons or keep them on their land.  

Armed forces and intelligence 

An independent Scotland would have its own army, navy, and air force, run from one headquarters. 

The Scottish Government would also set up a Scottish Security and Intelligence Agency to keep Scotland safe. 

Find out more

• More information is available in the Scotland’s place in the world paper.