Public spending will be maintained in an independent Scotland as part of a "credible and sustainable alternative to the current UK Government's fiscal strategy", according to Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney.

Mr Swinney said a Yes vote in the referendum would allow Scotland to set different priorities for public spending.

Based on current forecasts, the Scottish Government wants to provide £1.2 billion of additional investment in the economy in 2017/18 and £2.4 billion more in 2018/19.

Speaking during a visit to Dundee to review the progress of the city's waterfront regeneration, Mr Swinney said: "Scotland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and we will start life as an independent nation with huge economic potential.

"Future Scottish governments would have the opportunity to match their spending and tax policies to the preferences and priorities of the people of Scotland.

"With the powers of independence, we can ensure we use that wealth to boost the economy, create jobs and support public spending whilst reducing the deficit through faster economic growth and increased revenues, not spending cuts."

The Scottish Government says its balance sheet is forecast to "broadly match" the UK's in the first year of independence, with public sector debt falling as a share of gross domestic product (GDP).

This fiscal position would allow an independent Scottish government to support employment, deliver its overhaul of childcare and address inequalities, Mr Swinney said.

He said the approach would still be sustainable as it would ensure that public sector debt continued to fall as a share of GDP, and would remain consistent with any "reasonable requirements" of a sterling monetary union.

"With the UK Government set to implement £25 billion of spending cuts after the next election, the ability to manage our economy and public finances in the best interests of Scotland is one of the key benefits independence can bring," he said.