A short guide to ­independence for every household is to be published by the Scottish Government.

It will be accompanied by an increased online campaign from next week targeting women and young people in the lead-up to the referendum in September.

The booklet will detail the opportunities of independence and comes as the UK Government's leaflet campaign lands on doorsteps, detailing what it sees as the benefits of the Union.

The costs of the new campaign will be published, the Scottish Government said. Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The referendum on September 18 is the biggest democratic opportunity Scotland has ever had. We want people to be armed with the facts before they vote.

"This will match the efforts of the UK Government in every way. The Tory-led Westminster Government has been using public funds to push their anti-independence message, and it is important that is directly countered."

The Scottish Government has already published Scotland's Future, its prospectus for independence.

"We will build on that, with a combination of digital and online activity to provide information, and a short version of Scotland's Future," Ms Sturgeon added.

"It will be delivered to every home in Scotland and will outline the huge opportunities an independent Scotland will bring."