SCOTLAND should adopt higher standards of human rights protection in line with other developed nations, whatever the outcome of the referendum over independence, a conference at Holyrood will be told today.

Professor Alan Miller, chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, stressed the body would take no sides on the outcome of the referendum but will outline how progress could be made in the event of either outcome.

He said: "Human rights should be a major part of the national discussion around the future of Scotland in the lead up to the 2014 referendum.

"People in Scotland are entitled to hear from the campaigns as well as all Scottish and UK political parties on how their vision of Scotland's future brings internationally recognised human rights home to people. This is especially important given the level of vulnerability many people are facing as a result of the global financial crisis."

Mr Miller, who has been outspoken in his condemnation of Conservative plans to repeal the Human Rights Act, argues that in the event of a vote in favour of independence, the way forward is a written constitution enshrining economic and political rights including those of women, children, the disabled and ethnic minorities.

In the event of a no vote, he argues, there are a range of options, such as the model for a Bill of Rights, as has been proposed in Northern Ireland.