Scottish nationalists look to Scandinavia

Scottish nationalists want close ties to Scandinavia if Scotland becomes independent, a government document says. The "prospectus for independence" suggests an independent Scotland would join partnerships with the Scandinavian countries in energy and trade, The Independent reported. While SNP leaders expect Britain would remain Scotland's major trading partner, they believe the British government has shortchanged Scotland since the Act of Union more than 300 years ago, the report said. "Our neighbors to the north and east have already made a good start and work constructively together," said Angus Robertson, an SNP member of the British Parliament and its spokesman on foreign affairs and defense. "We need to join them and play our part. The United Kingdom has opted out of a serious approach. We should not." The document calls for the independent country to have a small Scandinavian-style military. Members of the SNP leadership revealed parts of the prospectus, which could be published next year, the Independent said. They plan to use the document to convince Scottish voters to support independence -- which does not have majority support now -- and in negotiations with the British government. The SNP hopes to hold a referendum in 2014 or 2015.