The responsibilities of the Scottish Government include health, education, justice, rural affairs, housing and transport.

The Your Scotland, Your Referendum consultation is now open and people are invited to give their views.

> Official referendum site
> Follow on Facebook
> Read and respond to the consultation

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The First Minister welcomed the Prime Minister to St Andrew's House on Thursday 16 February to continue discussions on the independence referendum.

 Find out more

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First Minister Alex Salmond explains the referendum to the international media.

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"The people who live in Scotland are the best people to make decisions about Scotland’s future." - First Minister Alex Salmond

The Budget Bill confirms spending plans over the next 12 months that aim to accelerate recovery, support economic growth and improve public services.

> Budget for economic recovery
> Read the statement to Holyrood

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"The Government has delivered a budget for growth and I have outlined today how we will build on our original spending plans with the additional resources at our disposal." - Finance Secretary John Swinney

Consultation now live

DirectScot is a prototype for a Scottish public services portal. Its aim is to provide people and businesses with a simpler view of all services available to them.

The consultation on the prototype will run throughout January and February. Your views can help shape the future of online public services. Have your say:

DirectScot website
> Read the DirectScot blog

"2012 is the year of Creative Scotland - a celebration of our nation's culture and creativity on both the international stage and across our communities. Featuring a fantastic programme of events covering everything from music, drama and dance to art, textiles and literature, there will be something for everyone to enjoy during the year."
Culture and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop

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Programme highlights include:

> Celebration of Scottish printmaking
> Dynamic projections on the streets of Edinburgh
> Bespoke train service to the Rock Ness festival from London
> Celtic Connections music festival will head to Chicago in September 2012

Year of Creative Scotland 2012

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Also worth seeing

Independence referendum 2014
The latest situation
 
Your Scotland, Your Referendum
The consultation document

A Games Legacy for Scotland
View the website