Independence?
Watching the referendum debate as an expat of Scotland, having left after University to work down south in England for about 10 years and latterly for 6 years in BC, Canada; I find it disappointing that there is real possibility that the United Kingdom will separate. In England you could live and remain Scottish with no loss of national identity, in Canada you live with the luxury of both Scottish national identity and that of UK citizenship. You are equally proud of being Scottish and from UK, the UK passport delivers you freedoms that many can only wish for.
It is unfortunate that the referendum has been structured somewhat insularly. Those Scots who remain at home may not fully appreciate the value of their Scottish and UK national identities. They may not fully appreciate what it is to say to others that you are a UK citizen and the stature that the UK holds internationally. Scotland will lose all access to that 300+ year legacy upon gaining independence and have to set about earning it.
From an economic standpoint the arguments are resoundingly weak. If Scotland is still not delivering what they think they can they should look to their devolved government and ask why they have not lobbied in the last 15 years to improve the situation. Do we really think it is the restrictions place upon the devolved government that allegedly leaves Scotland disadvantaged? Do we really think those very same individuals will work differently under independence? There comes a time when the root cause must be identified and being part of the UK does not look to be a root cause.
The Scottish have for generations explored the world and shared what it is to be scottish under the union. National identity has not diminished, travel globally and you will see Scotland everywhere. So the romantic image of Scotland being more identifiable when independent is ludicrous. Hopefully those who are allowed to vote can see the irrelevance of independence and keep Scotland in the UK. The referendum has already delivered more devolved powers if we vote no - something the devolved government failed to ever do as their focus was misplaced for 15 years.
Stick with the union, rebuild our parliament with focused and capable individuals and Scotland will prosper.
It is unfortunate that the referendum has been structured somewhat insularly. Those Scots who remain at home may not fully appreciate the value of their Scottish and UK national identities. They may not fully appreciate what it is to say to others that you are a UK citizen and the stature that the UK holds internationally. Scotland will lose all access to that 300+ year legacy upon gaining independence and have to set about earning it.
From an economic standpoint the arguments are resoundingly weak. If Scotland is still not delivering what they think they can they should look to their devolved government and ask why they have not lobbied in the last 15 years to improve the situation. Do we really think it is the restrictions place upon the devolved government that allegedly leaves Scotland disadvantaged? Do we really think those very same individuals will work differently under independence? There comes a time when the root cause must be identified and being part of the UK does not look to be a root cause.
The Scottish have for generations explored the world and shared what it is to be scottish under the union. National identity has not diminished, travel globally and you will see Scotland everywhere. So the romantic image of Scotland being more identifiable when independent is ludicrous. Hopefully those who are allowed to vote can see the irrelevance of independence and keep Scotland in the UK. The referendum has already delivered more devolved powers if we vote no - something the devolved government failed to ever do as their focus was misplaced for 15 years.
Stick with the union, rebuild our parliament with focused and capable individuals and Scotland will prosper.