SCOTLAND is big international news again. Not because of the opposition witch-hunt against Nicola Sturgeon, but the fast-approaching Scottish Parliament elections. Media outlets from De Volkskrant in the Netherlands and German ARD public television have been in touch this week to prepare their coverage for the Holyrood elections, with the expectation that the SNP will win the elections and there will be a referendum on Scottish independence. The media interest is also shared by mainstream politicians and policy experts.

On Thursday I was asked to take part in a panel discussion on the Scottish elections and indyref2 hosted by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, which is closely aligned with the German Social Democratic Party. I was joined by Progress Scotland’s independent polling expert Mark Diffley and the vice president of the European Parliament Katarina Barley MEP. The former SPD general secretary and federal German government minister has a close interest in UK developments as a British and German passport holder, and long track record on European co-operation. Our discussion was watched by an audience of German politicians, policy-makers and diplomats.

While Barley wasn’t taking sides on the independence question, she was absolutely clear that should Scotland vote for independence as part of an agreed democratic and constitutional process, there would be little European opposition and acknowledged there was a great deal of private sympathy for Scotland’s predicament. By the end of the online discussion the host relayed audience questions, including how to best assist us! I suggested it would be worthwhile for all interested people to read up on the situation and drew attention to a number of reports.

Thursday saw the publication of “Scotland’s New Choice: Independence after Brexit” by the Centre on Constitutional Change, edited by Eve Hepburn, Michael Keating and Nicola McEwen. The report includes chapters such as: “Constitutional pathways to a second independence referendum”, “If Scots vote for independence, what would the constitutional road to sovereign statehood look like”, “An independent Scotland in the European Union: is it realistic and is it a good idea?”, “Independence and interdependence: re-imagining Scottish independence after Brexit” and “What kind of international role and influence would an independent Scotland have?”. It is a serious report which highlights the opportunities and challenges that Scotland faces.

On Scotland being in the European Union, which is supported by more than the 62% that voted to Remain in the Brexit referendum, I suggested that European observers should read “An Independent Scotland in the EU: Issues for Accession” by the Scottish Centre on European Relations, which was edited by Kirsty Hughes, and “The EU Blueprint – Pathway for Scotland’s Accession to the European Union under Independence by European Merchants”, which was written by Anthony Salamone.

Scotland’s potential European and international role has been highlighted by an excellent new book: “Nation to Nation: Scotland’s Place in the World” written by former SNP foreign affairs spokesman Stephen Gethins. In the first book of its kind, he explores what Scotland’s foreign policy footprint is and how it can provide the foundations for a foreign ministry in a newly independent Scotland. During his career, Stephen Gethins has amassed considerable experience as a special adviser on international affairs to the Scottish Government, as a member of the influential Foreign Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons, working in European institutions and international NGOs.

For people in Scotland, Europe and elsewhere, there is more research and information than ever before on what Scottish independence will look like when Scotland takes its place as a sovereign nation in the international community. All of the evidence points towards a nation that wants to co-operate with multilateral partners from the United Nations, European Union to Nato, from trade to security and as an upholder of international law.

In recent weeks the UK Government has reminded Scotland that its “Global Britain” vision does not reflect our values. Westminster is prioritising more nuclear weapons over starving children in Yemen, and is continuing its confrontation with the EU by breaking its legal commitments over Northern Ireland. These would not be the priorities of an independent Scotland.

With excellent timing, a film was released this week in Germany entitled “Hey Scotland, Europe has a message for you!”. Shot at there Olympia Stadium in Munich the presenter says: “Scotland, aye, we’ve come a long way together through hard times and the good. And even in our most difficult times, in the end we always know we too are way too fond of you. Let us reunite as old friends. Because as long as Europe is here, you are always welcome.”

With less than 50 days to go until the Scottish Parliament elections, let’s keep our eyes on the prize. Friends across Europe and around the world are watching and ready to welcome Scotland.