A new campaign aims to highlight the options available to an independent Scotland amid accusations that the current debate has descended into “boring trench warfare”.
Gordon Wilson, a former SNP leader, wants to expand the debate to take in issues such as future international trading associations and the potential for further referendums on independence negotiations.
Formal campaign groups Yes Scotland and Better Together have not been good enough, he suggested.
The pro-independence group has been “passive” while the No campaign has been “unrelentingly negative”.
In an introduction published on the website of the new group, which is named Options for Scotland, Mr Wilson wrote: “The Yes strategy is getting under way at last but has a great deal of headway to make up, given that support for independence remains stubbornly at 34% at best.
“Meantime, the referendum debate has degenerated into boring trench warfare.”
He was spurred on by reaction to earlier calls to discuss Scottish membership of the European Free Trade Association (Efta) instead of focusing on the European Union (EU).
“Our raising of the issue of Efta was surprisingly successful with a warm reception from Efta and the president of Iceland to the concept of an independent Scotland,” he said.
“For some time I have been concerned with the negativity of the debate and wish to raise the horizons of Scots to enable them to approach the referendum on independence in the knowledge that the people will have choices over major issues like Europe, the currency, energy and oil policy and the creation of a better society through the removal of the blight of poverty.”
It will be a “gross irresponsibility” if unionist parties do not shape policies for potential independence, despite their opposition, he said.
Options for Scotland intends to publish occasional papers during the referendum campaign by experts and “those with a vision for the future”.
The debate may include a multi-option referendum giving people a say on Europe, defence and currency, Mr Wilson said.
“In itself, the need for such a post-independence referendum will be another source of debate.”