A RECENT survey claiming to show the construction industry is nervous about the prospect of a Yes vote in next year's independence referendum is an echo of the scare stories so beloved of the No campaign.

But, helpfully, it is also sounds a clear signal to the Yes campaign of the challenge ahead.

The narrative of negativity pales against the exciting opportunities independence offers the construction sector and the business community.

Colleagues I talk to know, with cool business heads, Scotland has what it takes to be a more successful, prosperous and fairer independent country. Sustainable economic growth is far more achievable through tailored solutions to Scotland's specific challenges. Only the full economic powers of independence can offer that. This isn't making people in the industry nervous. It is something that engenders excitement. A Yes vote is an instruction from the people of Scotland to complete the powers of the Scottish Parliament. It places all decision-making in the hands of those who care most about the future of Scotland - the people who live and work here.

I know that is what politicians say. But, applied to the people who work in my particular sector, it is no less true. In simple terms, an independent Scotland is a gateway to lasting economic growth. That means more wealth in people's pockets; that means more demand for houses; that means increased construction.

Against this story of hope and optimism, are the myths of the naysayers. They do not stand up to scrutiny. First, we need to explode the myth that independence will mean less investment in development or construction jobs. The record of the Scottish Parliament, even with its limited powers, tells a different story.

The recession and ongoing economic dislocation of the past few years has been tough. But Scotland has fared better than the UK as a whole. This is partly because of the way the Scottish Government has been able to respond specifically to the construction sector.

Secondly, the myth that the referendum has caused political and economic uncertainty needs to be blown away. A recent Ernst and Young survey found investment to Scotland was increasing substantially. Scotland is attracting more investment than any other part of the UK outside London. The report also concluded that, if anything, the referendum was increasing Scotland's profile and boosting investment.

Sainsbury's Bank is now to locate at the Gyle in Edinburgh, the latest in a long run of major investments. Imagine how many more we could attract if, with the financial powers of independence, we could compete properly. Any real uncertainty comes from UK economic dislocation holding Scotland back, threatening, not least through the prospect of the UK leaving the EU, isolation from the rest of the world.

Thirdly, let us dispose of the myth Scotland would be financially weaker as an independent country. According to the latest independent official figures, we represent 8.4% of the UK population but contribute 9.9% of UK revenue and receive only 9.3% in expenditure.

Fourthly, the myth that mortgages will be harder to come by. On this, I defer to Professor Charles Goodhart, former Bank of England monetary policy committee member, who says: "One of the specific claims made is that, under independence, household mortgage payment rates would increase. However, it can be argued that, provided there is a fully integrated financial services sector, where products can be bought across any boundary between Scotland and the redefined UK, and one common interest rate for the sterling zone, this is unlikely to be the case."

Finally, there is the myth an independent Scottish Parliament means more regulation. The Scottish Government has already published a consultation paper proposing to simplify regulation for the private sector after a Yes vote.

Independence will be good for Scotland - and the UK. A Yes vote will give us the best of both worlds.