Defence and Security

Scotland's Security

Author / Creator: Isobel Lindsay

Media type: Policy Paper

Date published: 2020

Cyber security issues are clearly emerging as a priority. Coastal protection is a high priority for Scotland. The proposed SDF should be designed for flexibility with a modest core capability.  The SDF's cost will be substantially less than that assigned to Scotland currently by the UK Government. Nuclear weapons will be a major challenge in transition negotiations. 


What would an independent Scotland’s defence and security priorities be?

Author / Creator: Colin Fleming

Media type: book

Date published: 2020

BREXIT has changed the context of thinking about the priorities for the security and defence of Scotland. The decisions will be political rather than capacity.


Towards a Defence & Security strategy for an independent Scotland

Author / Creator: Garry Macdonald

Media type: Policy Paper

Date published: December 2017

This paper is intended to provide an overview of the following aspects of a Scottish Defence & Security Strategy:

• What is meant by ‘Scottish national security’
• What threats it would be required to address
• What framework it would operate under
• How Scottish foreign policy would impact it
• What institutions would implement it

The intent of this paper is not to serve as a finalised strategy but instead to provide a basis for further discussion and development.


In Defence of Scotland

Author / Creator: Independence Live

Media type: YouTube recording of the virtual conference

Date published:

A video conference discussing the defence of Scotland. Contributions from Scottish military veterans. Discussion on what a Scottish defence force would look like, NATO membership, and the Trident missles based on the clyde.