Two feelings are currently widespread among voters in Scotland - that the consequences of independence look rather uncertain, and that, if anything, they do not look particularly good so far as their future prosperity is concerned.

It is far from clear the White Paper will dispel those feelings. True, we are left with a very clear vision of what the SNP would like an independent Scotland to look like. Much of that vision, however, relies on the goodwill of others.

On using the pound, keeping the BBC, and university research funding the vision requires the acquiescence of the UK government. On private pensions, university fees and, above all, on the way in which Scotland's path to continued membership might be smoothed it needs the support of the EU.

Unfortunately for the SNP, neither the UK government nor the EU seem inclined to indicate they will be willing to play ball - leaving uncertainty hanging in the air.

The White Paper does argue that Scotland's public finances would be in a better state than those of the UK as a whole - assuming it is correct about the future price and flow of oil. It also accepts that Scotland would still be running a public sector deficit - and by implication would not have more money to spend.

So there are no promises of tax breaks - for individuals at least. Or, childcare aside, much in the way of increased spending on services.

Consequently, voters may be left wondering whether independence will deliver prosperity after all.

l John Curtice is Professor of Politics at Strathclyde University.