I spent much of today reading the white paper 'Scotland's Future' that outlines how an independent Scotland would look. That, of course, depends on the outcome of the referendum on 18 September 2014. If a majority decides to go alone, breaking the union of 1707, then an old nation will simply re-emerge as an independent one after 306 years in an uncomfortable relationship.
There are many Scots here in France, I imagine more than a few SFN members are Scots or of Scottish descent. We have no vote in the referendum but should Scotland receive a Yes majority then those born there will be entitled to Scots citizenship and passport. Those with at least one parent or grandparent who have evidence of their lineage will be entitled as well and anyone else who has lived in Scotland for at least 10 years.
All in all the white paper presents a very good argument for independence and is a realistic proposition. They compare themselves in size, population at least, with Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland and are not trying to force an argument about giving themselves a disproportionate self-image. Such issues as keeping free higher education and maintaining control of energy supplies and other things we once considered ours as UK citizens that have been sold off at knock down prices without benefits to us. It is, albeit 607 pages long, worth reading.
Until recently, whilst supporting the Yes principle I was a doubter. However the number of people moving toward voting for independence is growing rapidly. It may well be a successful campaign with the desired outcome next year. For those of us proud of our origins the ancient friendship of la Vieille Alliance will once again be sealed by our ability to give our nationality as Scots, to present Scottish documents to identify ourselves and no longer be simply one of les Anglais by default. That is by no means intended as a smear on the identity of the English but simply a reflection on the ability to identify ourselves for what we are. I am now hoping for the few remaining years I have that most of them will allow me to be a proud Scot, living here in France, but nevertheless proud of my roots.
Itinerant Scots, those vital sons of optimism, Made our world a smaller, safer place. The life's blood of the Bloody British Empire, Such an ethnic aberration for a Jock. Nonetheless gave birth to countless smaller nations. Pulled them to their feet and left them standing tall.
It's a source of pride, tae bide amang their children. For we're all of us Jock's Bairns underneath. We've the head for trade, the head for heights, and hands to guide a ploughshare. The eyes to see injustice, and the drive to set men free.
And it's true we cry when singing of our country. So our neighbour thinks we're decadent and weak. Haven't got the wealth, yet wrote "The Wealth of Nations". Haven't got the strength, yet won't kneel in defeat. Yet we boast the pen that made us mankind's brother. One another, that's the Guinea stamp; not crowns.
I have taken a look at opinion polls and objectively seen it will take an enormous swing for a yes vote to succeed. So despite my wish to see an independent Scotland next year it is unlikely. Despite that, the same polls show that people believe Scotland will become independent in the foreseeable future.
Despite having suffered several spells in Rosyth and Faslane whilst serving I fail to see how the facilities and support can be moved South in anything other than v slow time. Nice idea, independence for Scotland, but would probably be as successful as Scottish teams in the Europa or Champions League!
Bruce, we gave that up years ago. Now we import muesli and bio food direct from Norway, healthiest Europeans of the lot now. The standard of tossing the caber has gone up no end!
The Faeroese, Brian, they are the ones to watch out for. Heather what does nowadays we can't afford to have a weak link actually mean? Weak link in what? I think you'll find that although no bugger wants to be on a submarine in Scotland, plenty are sent there anyway. Not UK submarines, primarily...
Afraid of a new Morris worm more like Brian. Nowadays, we can't afford to have a weak link & Scotland would be just that. Furthermore, can't charge rent when no bugger wants to be on a submarine in Scotland.
I am half English and half Scots. My English side would be pleased to be rid of the turbulent Scots, and if the English had a vote, I'm sure Scotland's independence would be assured. My Scottish side however, doesn't think it has enough information to make an informed choice.
Will Scotland be a part of the EU? Unlikely if any kind of vote is needed, with Spain certain, and Belgium likely to vote no so as not to encourage their own separatist factions, entry is far from assured.
What of Shetland and Orkney? They have stated that they want no part of an independent Scotland, and will seek their own referendum either for independence, or to remain a part of the rump. In either case how will that affect Scotland's already dwindling North Sea oil revenue?
If, and it is if, Scotland is permitted to continue to use the pound, how will voters feel about an independent Scotland having no representation, and therefore no influence over monetary policy
My biggest fear, however, is the nagging one that this whole thing is really all about writing Alex Salmond's name into the history books.
Who indeed would invade us? I've thought hard about that one and come up with Iceland or Greenland as unknown qualities, especially with the latter on the verge of independence from Denmark and obvious expansionist intentions ;-)
Who is going to invade Scotland, do we think? Costa Rica does just fine without an army & I expect we could charge lots of rent on the submarines at Gourock & ships at Rosyth...
Interesting responses about economics. Since Scotland has had its own parliament they have been responsible for their own economy to quite a great extent. Taxes raised have nonetheless gone through the Exchequer in London. There are also precedents for countries predicted to go down the pan becoming quite self-sufficient. The Republic of Ireland for example, given less than 10 years when they gained independence and not doing so badly despite problems two years ago.
Defence Heather? Are ye afeared o' a new William Wallace?
I most definitely agree that the decision should be based on economic positives which don't spring to mind when thinking of Scottish independence. But what worries me the most is defence. Let's see them cough up for their own defence force that adequately protects the UK.
"All the Scots I know regard themselves as Scottish before describing themselves as British - they are all extremely proud of their heritage - so why do they need independance."
Alex Salmond blithely believes that the English will allow monetary union.
Dream on. No way, no way, no way.
It's time for the people of Scotland to get real, they can't have their bun and their penny too.
Whilst I used to think that Scottish independence would rid the rest of the UK from the Scottish Labour Party seats at Westminster, I cannot bring myself to vote for any of them at the moment.
It will be interesting to see what DC manages to achieve in any negotiations re changes to EU policy. We all know that the UK is not alone in looking for improvements.
Scotland would not automatically be included as a member of the EU and any new members of the EU will have to accept the Euro. So where is the looked for monetary union then?
There are interesting arguments on both sides, however many unanswered questions which everyone seems keen to avoid. Yesterdays interviews did indeed once again show mr Salmond and his ego, as well as his ability to spend time on useless questions (who cares whether Dr Who would still be available to the Scots), but deftly avoid answering questions relating to real issues (EEC membership etc).
Hopefully the coming months will give some real and open debate from both sides of the argument, lets just hope Scots identity is not the only winning argument for independance. I'm Scottish always will be no matter whether my Passport says United Kingdom or Scotland. Choices like this should be made purely on economic issues.
Phil, the Central American investments, the Darien Sceme, were only of real interest to a handful of aristocrats who had caused the national debt with their bad handling of the business. Thus personal financial interests were allegedly involved. Many of the 31 commissioners who negotiated the terms of union had themselves invested heavily in the Darien Scheme and believed that they would receive compensation for their personal losses. So it came about that in Article 15 of the Acts, an Equivalent was granted to the sum of £398,085 10s to Scotland to offset any liability it may cause to the English national debt which already existed and has, as we know, grown considerably since. It was effectively a way of compensating investors in the Darien Scheme. Personal bribery also appears to have to been part of the 'settlement'. £20,000 (then £240,000 Scots) was sent to Scotland to be distributed by the Earl of Glasgow. James Douglas, Duke of Queensberry, who was the queen's commissioner in parliament, is well known to have received over £12,000 of the £20k alone. The Scots people did not benefit at all. In fact when the succession of the Hanoverian dynasty was ensured, their taxes for supporting them were raised.
History has a lot of dirt in it. None of it can be undone. However, rather than 31 'Scots' (which not all were actually) commissioners negotiating with 31 English commissioners in London, all of them aristocratic and unrepresentative of the common folk, this time the question is being put to the people of all classes. It is a question of a democratic process being used instead of a more or less autocratic ruling class deciding for them. Two wrongs never make a right, but there are amends. In fact Scotland is not asking for any form of compensation but simply self-determination. Whether Roy is right or wrong about the economic outcome remains to be seen, but it is simply a nation with its own identity looking for the chance to find out for themselves. If it is a failure then they fail alone and of their own volition.
As for throwing in opinions on Alex Salmond, well that is arbitrary. He has a big ego and I suspect plenty of people know that. He has simply led the SNP this far but there is nothing to say that if independence is gained he will be retained. He is not as popular as he was a very few years ago.
All the Scots I know regard themselves as Scottish before describing themselves as British - they are all extremely proud of their heritage - so why do they need independance.
I hope however that they vote for it to weaken the Labour Party which has ruined the UK economy every time they have been in power.