Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed her intention to hold a consultative referendum on Scottish independence on October 19 next year.
The First Minister on Tuesday wrote to Boris Johnson to express her willingness to negotiate a Section 30 order which would allow Holyrood to legally hold an IndyRef2.
The SNP leader told MSPs that if the offer was refused, a consultative ballot would be held instead - but only if the UK Supreme Court agreed Holyrood has the power to do so, reports the Daily Record.
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If judges in London strike down the legislation Sturgeon warned the SNP will fight the next general election on one issue – whether Scotland should be an independent country.
In a highly anticipated statement at the Scottish Parliament, the SNP leader said: "What I am not willing to do - what I will never do - is allow Scottish democracy to be a prisoner of Boris Johnson or any Prime Minister.
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"The issue of independence cannot be suppressed. It must be resolved democratically.
She told MSPs independence was about "equipping ourselves to navigate the future, guided by our own values, aspirations and interests".
She added: "This parliament has a clear, democratic mandate to offer Scotland that choice.
"The UK Government, however, is refusing to respect Scottish democracy. That is why today’s statement is necessary.
"The UK and Scottish governments should be sitting down together, responsibly agreeing a process, including a section 30 order, that allows the Scottish people to decide.
"That would be the democratic way to proceed. It would be based on precedent. And it would put the legal basis of a referendum beyond any doubt. That’s why I am writing to the Prime Minister today to inform him of the content of this statement.
"In that letter I will also make clear that I am ready and willing to negotiate the terms of a section 30 order with him."A consultative referendum would not mean Scotland becoming independent overnight - but could lead to an opening of negotiations with the UK Government to end the Union.
Sturgeon said the vote would be held “to ascertain the views of the people of Scotland as to whether or not Scotland should be an independent country.”
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