Independence will not serve as a “magic wand” to cure Scotland’s problems, according to Nicola Sturgeon.
Speaking to business leaders in Dundee, the Deputy First Minister said the powers that would come to Holyrood in the event of a Yes vote would give the country the opportunity to become “more prosperous”.
However, she stressed the act of leaving the UK itself would not make anything better and admitted those advocating independence had not been clear enough articulating that.
Ms Sturgeon said: “We should be independent because of the opportunity that will give us to build a more prosperous country with a faster growing, more sustainable economy.
“Now I should say at this point, and it’s a point I guess if I’m being honest those of us on the Yes side of the campaign have perhaps not made strongly enough in years gone by.
“Independence is not a magic wand. We won’t wake up the day after becoming independent and find that all of Scotland’s challenges have disappeared or that overnight we have become a richer, more economically successful country.
“It doesn’t work that way and anybody who tries to tell you it does should be treated with the same disdain as those who tell you Scotland is too poor to be independent.
“But what independence offers us is the control over the levers of power and the decision-making that determines over time how successful a country we are,” she said.
After delivering the speech at the Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education, Ms Sturgeon was questioned by members of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce on issues including currency, corporation tax, exports and whether the referendum is causing business uncertainty.
She then campaigned in Dundee city centre and met voters.
Meanwhile, Scotland Office minister David Mundell has outlined his arguments as to why the city benefits from the UK.
Mr Mundell highlighted the Regional Air Connectivity Fund, which secured the Dundee to London route with £2.8 million funding.
He added: “Dundee’s video games sector has been given a major boost through tax relief measures which we introduced. We’ve also provided millions of pounds to the city’s well respected universities through research council funding.
“The Verdant Works museum enjoyed a £1.8m Heritage Lottery Fund award towards the restoration of A-listed derelict buildings.”