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Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond will lead a debate at the Scottish Parliament, a year before voters take part in the independence referendum.
On 18 September 2014, they will be asked the yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"
Mr Salmond said independence would help Scotland become a thriving, successful nation, free from Westminster ties.
The main opposition parties insisted Scotland's devolved parliament, as part of the UK, was the best of both worlds.
Ahead of the debate, the SNP ministers said Scotland, with its natural resources and talent, could "more than afford" to be independent.
They also claimed successive UK governments had created one of the most unequal economies in the developed world, while imposing policies on Scotland which had been rejected by its politicians.
'Head and heart'
Mr Salmond told the BBC: "I think the cause of independence - an independent Scotland - is a noble ideal.
"I think there's a huge passion behind that cause, but along with that we have to argue the country, with its independence, we'll use it for the benefit of the people, that it will be more successful and more equal as a society.
"So, it's an argument that carries the head and the heart."
The Scottish government's detailed case for independence will come in a white paper to be published in the autumn which has promised to "answer all the questions people reasonably have".
Opposition parties who support the Union - Labour, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, as well as the UK government - said Scotland currently benefited from being part of one of the world's most successful economies.
And they claimed the SNP government was watering down its vision for independence to increase support among voters during a time when polls were indicating most people backed the Union.
Opposition politicians pointed to SNP policies such as keeping the pound and the services of the Bank of England under a "currency union" with the rest of the UK, and retaining the Queen as head of state.
For the UK government, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, said of the referendum: "This is an absolutely defining moment and a once-in-a-lifetime choice. That's why I hope people will think carefully as they prepare for the vote.
"I firmly believe that Scotland will be stronger, more secure and more prosperous if we remain as part of the UK.
"Between now and next September I will continue to argue this case as well as providing what I believe will be robust and persuasive evidence."
Income tax powers
Scotland's opposition parties have been drawing up their own offers to voters, to counter independence, based on having a more powerful Scottish Parliament while remaining part of the UK.
The Liberal Democrat vision for Scottish home rule would see significant new financial and other powers devolved from Westminster, while a commission set up by Scottish Labour has suggested there was a "strong case" for Holyrood gaining full income tax powers.
And, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has given her support to more financial powers for Scotland, signalling a significant shift in thinking for the party which previously opposed the idea of a devolved parliament.
Meanwhile, the official campaigns for independence and the Union - Yes Scotland and Better Together - will also be marking the day.
Alex Salmond's motion to be debated by the Scottish Parliament
That the Parliament agrees that Scotland has an abundance of resources and talent and can more than afford to be a successful, thriving independent country; notes that successive UK administrations have pursued an economic policy that has led to the UK having one of the most unbalanced and unequal economies in the developed world; agrees that it is wrong and costly for policies to be imposed on Scotland that have been overwhelmingly rejected by Scotland's political representatives, and welcomes evidence that shows that there are gains for families and communities when decisions about Scotland are taken by those who care most about Scotland, the people who live and work here.
Yes Scotland chief Blair Jenkins, said: "Scotland has generated more tax per head than the UK as whole in each and every one of the last 30 years.
"The question is, why more people in Scotland are not reaping the benefits of our wealth?
"With a 'Yes' vote next year, we can deliver financial and social gains for people and families across our nation because Scotland's future will be in Scotland's hands."
Former chancellor Alistair Darling, leader of the Better Together campaign, countered: "Now that there is a year to go to the referendum, I hope that the nationalists will be prepared to give people answers to the many question that they have about the impact of going it alone on our jobs, our pensions and our public services.
"Up until now every one of these legitimate questions has either been met with calls of 'scaremongering' or with a blind assertion."
Legislation setting the ground rules for the referendum is currently making its way through parliament.
The arrangements have already been negotiated and agreed in advance between the Scottish and UK governments, under the terms of the Edinburgh Agreement, signed by Mr Salmond and Prime Minister David Cameron.
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