The SNP should probably have been talking this up more in the past. The fact Alex Salmond is doing it now suggests they are really serious about winning this time and being more than just a protest vote vehicle.

Annabel Goldie is quite right to point out the SNP's appalling record of supporting the majority of the Executive's legislation - and they call themselves an effective opposition!

An independent Scotland run by the socially democratic Nats would just be like the current government, but with kilts. The best thing the Nats could do would be to ditch 'two jobs' Salmond and opt for Mike Russell for leader. He at least advocates keeping the Union of Crowns.

I wonder what the members of the 'Bampot' wing of the SNP think about cooperating with England in an independent Scotland!

Mike Russell as SNP Leader?

Are you serious? Why not get really nutty and suggest Kenny MCcaskill!!

This is just restating SNP policy for the public now that people are listening to the SNP seriously and by tyhe way there is no 'bampot tendency' left within the SNP - they all left to join the SSP and are now probably in the process of joining the Tommy Sheridan Fan Club or 'Solidarity' as it is offically called.

While Joke McConnell rants about dumping nuclear waste in England as a reson to stay 'British' , the SNP are putting flesh upon the bones of how an independent Scotland will operate and it's time for that to happen!

So the UK is an "alliance" is it? Nonsense! Next they'll be telling us it's a "union of equal partners"...

what a sensible suggestion. while england has been an historic enemy of scotland i feel that a new independent scotland could well work with the english towards mutual benefit. i also believe that the current ill feeling of many scots towards england will subside after independence. if ireland can run its own affairs i cant see why scotland should be unable to do so

I think "enemy" is slightly strong a word. It's been a while since we actually fought any wars with the English.

Tell you this, though, we better work together on broadcasting, because I'm not giving up on the Today Programme to be made to listen to Good Morning Scotland. It's p*sh!

I don't think of England as an enemy. They are our rivals, particulary in sport, and there is no way I would ever support them at football for example - but that is a sporting rivalry, probably a healthy safety valve in fact, and nothing to do with hate or enmity. And I'd rather not have their support either - it's given in a rather patronising way.

Once we are independent of each other - and it's coming rapidly - the relationship will improve. We won't have the real gripe that everything is done to suit their interests, and they won't have to worry about "subsidising" us (aye right!). It seems to me that it will be a better set-up all round.

why exactly would independance be "dangerous" for Scotland? It would be very different, initially quite scary and we would have to actually make real decisions about the big stuff which Westminster keeps to itself, but I hardly see how being in a positions to not follow the rest of the UK into foolhardy and illegal wars in the Middle East could be more dangerous than the status quo.

""Russell Brown MP, a Borders MP, reinforced Labour's attack on the SNP. He said: "Alex Salmond has finally realised just how unpopular the SNP policy of breaking up Britain is.

"We already have a successful alliance in which Scotland prospers: it is called the UK." ""

Typical soundbite rubbish from Russell Brown - a very nice guy but as an MP, as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike. The usual use of certain "keywords", no doubt under instruction from Labour HQ - "break up Britain" being a prime example. Russell, independence isn't going to "break up" anything, unless you have found a way to move Scotland a wee bit north west. And as for your suggestion that the policy of independence is unpopular, well, in the past people have been taken in by the lies and scare stories, but finally I think the message is getting through to all but the thickest.

In the run up to the election, I'm going to attend the meetings in Dumfries and I'm going to ask the Labour candidate outright whether or not he/she considers that it was ok for the Labour government in the 1970s, aided and abetted by civil servants, to lie to the people of Scotland, about the value of the oil in Scottish waters. The answer "it doesn't matter because it was a long time ago", as given by Denis Healey, will not be an acceptable reply.

The Unionists are Running very scared.The Pressure is on From London,Scotland would get on very well with England after independence ,And from what im experiencing on the street ,Freinds work freinds and extended family are NOT going to vote labour ,They are so Fed up with labour and the mess of,the NHS, They are voting SNP,family in England feel the same and they will vote Tory ,This time around It aint no Protest vote ,

Malcolm (4)

Would you agree with me that the phrase "equal partners" is definitely a misnomer? There can never, I think, be such a thing between two "countries" that have coexisted with each other for three hundred years. Otherwise, you give the impression that Scotland and England are just two individuals, which they aren't since a good many of us - on either side of the "border" - find it quite acceptable (for lots of reasons) to also describe ourselves as British. In other words, if British society didn't exist, then possibly things could be different. But it does exist and this has made the notion of Scotland (and England!) as a medium through which all Scots can define themselves quite relative (whether we like it or not). Put another way: "equal partnership" sounds a bit like a circular argument to me because you can only talk about it if you postulate the idea we are different no matter what and have remained different ever since 1707.

The United Kingdom is breaking up anyone with half a brain, I'm sure can, at least see this. Never before in its history has it had such forces pulling against it - not even in the SNP's heyday of the 70's. Whilst I don't expect it in the next few years, we are nonetheless heading down that route. The sooner we all get down to constructive proposals for separating our countries, the quicker we can all proceed and develop. And I am in agreement with Alex Salmond on this. It begs the question - why not?

The only people against Scottish independence are an unholy alliance of Scottish Unionists (thankfully declining in number) and English Nationalists (who want rid of Scotland, but bizarrely are a bit insecure of Scotland voting for its independence)

#11 I'm sorry I don't get the concept of Britishness or even British society, it is just something I cannot see, or even imagine. I can see Englishness (and the multitude of forms that takes), I can see Scottishness and the multitude of forms that takes - but not this construct of being British. Europeanism is more intrinsic to Scotland than Britishness in my opinion, and in that respect Scotland is far more outward looking compared to its UK neighbours.

I can however see the political union of the United Kingdom, but not this fantasy notion of Britishness which has

Grant 13, I think you've picked up on a very valid point - Scots ARE far more outward looking than most people in England. Perhaps that's why we can think of ourselves as Scottish and also European - whereas the "narrow nationalists" so often mentioned by the alliterative wing of the unionist movement are really the inward looking and frequently xenophobic unionist politicians who are feart of anything to do with Europe. They see "British" and "Foreign" with perhaps different degrees of foreignness, whereas most Scots see "Scotland" and Europe" without the same xenophobia, except perhaps in the lower, less educated orders, the people who vote Labour because they're too stupid to think for themselves.

The idea of "Britishness" is an artificial concept, which is why so many of us Scots won't support a British competitor at the Olympics - because we don't see anyone competing under a union flag as representing us in any way.

I also think Scots are an outward forward thinking People ,But the unionists are Dragging us down and backwards.
We would quickly adapt to europe and our kids need to Speak European languages ,Thats Positive,Living with the English We will always be seen as Euro-phobes ,French & german haters ,I want to Distance myself from that .

Can anyone tell me what benefits we have from staying part of the Union? If so how much stronger are they from an independent Scotland?

Vote SNP next year ,

Robert (16)

This question has been asked so mant times but no answer has ever been given. I have thought long and hard about it and as a former believer in the Union I concluded that there are no economic, military or political benefits and I would happily debate it with anyone. I also think we are seeing a change in direction from Labour. In the past they would disgustingly claim an independent Scotland would be like Albania or Bangladesh (thats actually the reason I turned against them) but are now saying that the benefits of Union are more emotional (family ties etc). Also, a ridiculous point incidentally. The only argument for staying in the Union is that you are proud to be Scottish and British - a viewpoint I respect.

Im a Biz person In Scotland .And the idea of Independence ,Doesnt scare me ,It exites me ,And Im English .Ill be voting for SNP

it's clear, it's Shrek!!!

Bea, exactly. Business is international, so borders will never get in the way as long as the government creates the right conditions.

McConnel says we have a shared culture?? The only thing I can think of that may be shared is Bonfire night - they only difference is that I wish he had succeeded.

23 .Exactly,I wont be influence by the Rubbish that Unionist talk ,

Jim @ 10
DR @ 15
Bea @ 21 and 25

Are all one and the same person ..... check out the punctuation and strange use of capital letters.

Is this an SNP supporter trying to pretend there is more support for SNP than there actually is?

I have always voted Labour as my Family did ,But we are Voting SNP this time ,Labour seem as Smug as the torys did when they were in Power too long ,
The NHS is Dying under labour,Time for change

IF scotland seperates from england and becomes an equal---? partner with our freinds down south
and gets back to the basics FINANCIAL/LAW& ORDER/HEALTH. WE MIGHT ESCAPE??? THE EXSPLOSION(RACIAL) that is going to happen in bradford/oldham/birmingham/nottingham. the P.C
BRIGADE/DO GOODERS( he.s had a deprivied childhood/single parent) HAVE HAD THEIR SAY AND ITS ***NOT WORKED***

WHAT WORRIES ME IS THAT THE S N P MIGHT RETURN TO CLAN WARFARE **

BUT THEY CERTINLY COULD NOT MAKE A WORSE JOB THA THE BUNCH THATS IN JUSTAT PRESANT

Eric @ 27

The same poster as Jim, DR and Bea.

If you don't want to be spotted as the same person - change your style...... bit of free advice for you!

28. Ian, edinburgh

I just don't get in what way we will be equal partners. We have a population of 5 million they have a population of 55 million. If both countries had equal say then Scots would have 11 times more power than an Englishperson. The UK is not an equal partner to the US. We should not expect to be (more) equal, however, because of oil we might be.

Pardon?

Jack#29

Maybe this guy has 4 votes!!

I remember speaking to a group of friends in Dublin some years ago and floating this idea. In spite of them being socially and politically non-radical types, they were all totally opposed to anything which involved England. They were much more interested in a pan-Celtic alliance.
I don't know enough about current Irish opinion to suggest more than that Irish compliance in particular to this idea shouldn't be a given.

Jack, I think you might be right, but you also get Unionists double posting.

Jack, also, whoever it is, is right four times! A unionist will be wrong each time...

mmm Im Puzzled

Well I`ll be voting for the SNP and for Independence so we can get rid of Westminster and stop paying for bloody Eric Joyce's jollys at our expense.

AJ - yes, at least 4 votes!!

Stewart - agreed I think a lot of people on these boards pose as more than one person, but they're not all as easy to spot as this one.

Eric,

Nice denial, ........ but no cigar!! :D

As far as an independent Scotland working with England goes, well it would make common sense for such close neighbours to have good relations with one another. Surely, that would be the best solution. I don't think there is any intention, or should be, to close the borders by either country.

Independence for both Scotland and England could work as long as it is done in an adult and rational manner and not with a childish desire to settle old scores by either country.

Why is England not the enemy? Look at the History of Scotland...

Or conversely, Mark (39) .. look at the history of England - or are you just being a bit one sided here?

Im lost .Anyway.VOTE SNP

Comparisons with Scandanavia are irrelevant. We simply don't have the social sophistication of the Norse.Law and order and social cooperation
are both years ahead of anything we could aspire to.
Oil is not the automatic guarentee of prosperity that
some people think, eg how would our executive have spent the revenues over the last few years,
does anyone seriously believe they would have channeled the money in to the right areas?
I lived and worked in Norway for 2 years, I have an inkling about what i'm talking about (this time).

Do the English get a say in this?

The SNP believe they can slap the English nation in the face and then do 'business as usual' It might not work out that way.

Alex needs to lose some weight! He looks like Jabba the Hut in that photo!

Whats this a 'U' turn by Chairman Alex or is he now starting to reialise that he cant stand alone and he had better start tryingto get things set up for when the truth comes out

AMJ (#43) - why would it be slapping the English nation in the face when Scotland becomes independent? It's about time people realised that the independence movement is about SCOTLAND, not England. The only thing that'll get a (well deserved) skelp will be the Union. I prefer to think that Scottish independence will liberate England.

Neil,

You're right, the English don't give two hoots. Only the Unionist micro-minority in England care - i.e. the upper-echelons of the political parties.

They know that their importance in the world will be slightly diminished - and the French and Germans will do everything to diminish it as much as possible.

Tom,
This is no 'u' turn by alex. Anyone with 1/2 a brain would realise that after independence we would work with virtually every other country, especially england, after all we are the nearest neighbours with Wales. As the saying goes 'good neighbours'. I think you listen too much to the unionist scaremongering, you know, barbed wires at the border, never seeing your english relatives again, no eastender etc.............

I was born and brought up in Scotland, but have spent the last 4 years living in London (Like many graduates from Scotland), so I just wanted to add my own observations to the discussion,

- The Scottish have far more in common with the English then most people on these boards are willing to admit. I've travelled all over Europe with work, and the Scottish have far more in common with the English then anyone else in Europe.
- Scottish Independence is pretty inevitable (Despite Labour's Best Efforts), afterall the Indepence Brigade only have to win one refurendum, the Unionists have to win them all
- There's no reason Scotland can't stand on it's own two feet
- However Scotland is NOT Sweden or Denmark. Nor are these places the garden of eden that some imagine (Wife is Swedish so I should know). Anyway the idea that Scotland will instantly morth into some socialist paradise in an instant is a bit of a joke. Scotland may make it in the end, but it will be a hell of a struggle

No Eastenders? Right, that's one vote for the SNP. If you promise to ban Coronation Street as well I will vote twice.

Robert 49 - Although there are many varied nationalists who mail on this, I note very few who imagine we will be sailing into a Paradise, socialist or otherwise, or who imagine it will be without a struggle. I would say most are well aware of the challenges we will face - and overcome.
Your points about our closeness to the English are also correct, although I would say that being in the Union has restricted our motivations and abilities to interact better with the rest of Europe and the world. I see Irelend and note that they have developed far greater and better links with the world than the Scots, I suspect after independence our relationship with the English, while still remaining strong, will normalise whereby we will develop and improve our links to other countries.

I'm not sure how Scotland becoming independent will be "one hell of a struggle". The biggest struggle will be to rid Scotland's political culture of the "I'm alright Jack" complacency that infects it - but I get the impression, independence or no independence Scotland is already moving in this direction and public opinion is crying out for a change.

The next biggest struggle is to change people's opinions about the union in the first, and to show them there are no arguments as to why Scotland should remain in the union, that independence is natural in the development and progression of Scotland and is the only way forward out of this political stalemate.

Economically I don't think it will be a struggle. It will only be a struggle, economically, if the government we elect after independence pursues policies which are to the detriment to Scotland's economy, in scaring off businesses, setting high tax rates, regulating and getting into high levels of debt. That isn't caused by the process of moving towards independence and getting independence. It is caused by how we shape our policies after independence. Few people seem to see the distinction.

Scotland won't morph into some kind of socialist republic - I credit the people of Scotland with a lot of moderation - they only need to look at the state of former socialist regimes to see why going down that road would be a disaster. It just isn't going to happen.

Independence certainly won't bring some kind of utopia with it - but then neither does being part of the Union - which in itself is no guarantee of any type of political or economic security. Independence isn't the cure of our ills - it just gives us the full range of abilities to make a difference and it is up to us how we do that.

#49 Robert. Well said

I wouldn't mind an independent Scotland, just not with that plonker Alex Salmond at the helm.

Just a small and really insignificant point. For those that can't live without there daily dose of Soaps; don't worry. I live mostly in Portugal and I can assure you we (unfortunately) receive all the soaps via satellite

A couple of week ago I wrote a lengthy contribution on the similarity between Scottish Oil production and that of Brunei in per capita terms and the differences between the two countries in other ways.

Brunei is a one product country and imports most of it food and manufactured items. Bruneians have free education, health care, electricity, gas, water, sewerage those requiring to go overseas to attend University receive substantial grants, those who want to go on the Hadj are subsidised. And yet there is no personal tax. Only the oil is taxed.

Assuming that Scotland will gain a majority share in the oil on gaining Independence, this should give the country a flying start. Provided we don’t put the Spend- Spend – Spend Socialists back into power.

Well, giving free (and zero responsibility) education and healthcare would be putting the socialism back into Scotland.

Much better to just reduce taxation and then people can afford to pay for their own services.

"The only people against Scottish independence are an unholy alliance of Scottish Unionists (thankfully declining in number) and English Nationalists (who want rid of Scotland, but bizarrely are a bit insecure of Scotland voting for its independence)"

As an English Nationalist I find your reasoning bizarre. English Nationalism is increasing at a phenomenal rate, just look at how many English Flags you see here compared to how many Unionist ones.

The people of England now at last (and with great effort) understand the differences between England and Britain, and most of us have made our choice for the former. There are very few Ultra-Unionists in England of the variety that you get in some parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, though perhaps as English Nationalism increases the voices of English Unionism might try and vainly compete, who knows, it will be in vain. If Scotland doesn't vote for Independence, you can be guaranteed that we won't put up with having a man from a Scottish Constituency being the First Minister of England (which effectively Brown would be) on a minority of the vote. Either way, unionism is dead.

"Scots ARE far more outward looking than most people in England."

In some respects perhaps. However I often find Scots (like so many others) just pay this point some lip service and really are as parochial as anyone, but the lip service is a convenient way of distancing themselves from England.

The truth to me, is few people have a genuine European Identity, most are supportive of it when it brings them goods, and against it when they see it against them. I can guarantee a majority in every country would be in favour if it became a Net Receiver. It's noticeable that some of my long-term Spanish Friends are now beginning to harden their stance towards Europe, after years of giving it unconditional support (as net receivers who fear the New Eastern Members will soon be turning them into Contributors).

It would be nice for the EU (a great idea) to not be a collection of competing nationalists, but it is exactly that at the moment. A Constitution would do everyone some good, pity everyone's rejecting it. Ressurect Latin as the common language.

57. Dave, Hexham, Northumberland
Dave I think you may be a wind up merchant. Can we get rid of the “my Dads bigger than your dad” childish nonsense. The Scots and the English have far more in common than differences. This said they are still different peoples and each is rightly proud of their nation.

The Nationalists on both sides of the border have the same aim – dissolve the Union. The national parties need to work together to attain our common aim but must not allow the unionists to create dissent between us. When the divorce is settled there is every reason for the two peoples to be friends and allies. Remember the people were never consulted about this Union and if this were a true democracy then we should have our say. Perhaps we need a revolution to create, for the first time, a true democracy responsible to the people for both countries. Let Ireland be reunited and Wales given the choice of total independence or such other arrangement that suit both Wales and England.

I accept your assessment of Europe as a collection of separate nations. And despite all the machinations of the unelected bureaucrats in Brussels, that is how it will stay. The original concept of a Common Market was the correct one. It is these unelected bureaucrats that want the Federation, they’re all power mad. You should read MEP Daniel Hannan’s letters from Brussels , they’re an eye opener.

Dave,

Indeed, Unionism is dead. Do you think the Conservatives finally waking up to decentralisation of all types being the best way of stopping socialism, be it the end of Union, withdrawing from EU, or devolving power meaningfully in England?

Afterall the socialists rely on control, so that no competing government undercuts their high tax, high regulation policies. Socialists would prefer one government for the World.

Support Independence First's e-petition for Scottish self determination (independence):

http://epetitions.scottish.parliament.uk/view_petition.as...

All you whinging Scots have to do is vote SNP in at the next election. The only people who are preventing Scottish independance are the Sots themselves. Nobody forces the majority of Scots to vote for the unionist Labour & Lib Dem parties. This is a free choice so try looking at yourselves as the cause of the problem. The real problem is the appeal of English subsidies propping up the unproductive Scottish economy. The majority of Scots know a good thing when they see one.

Independence for Scotland can only be a good thing. I'm sick of having my Pasport say I'm Brittish when I'm Scottish. I don't feel in anyway Brittish, but like some comments above I do feel European as I can strongly asosate with people from other European countires, such as France, Ireland.

#24. Bill: AYE, That reminds me when I was a child I use to think we were celabrating the fact that Guy fox's atmit not the the fact the cot him. It was one of these thing that devestated me when I found out the truth.

#62. Tommy Atkins: Ofcourse we know a good think when we see it.

Personally that good thing I see is the road to independence not staying in a backwards union (of 1707).

Scots who see the union as a good thing lack the will and the vision for change. And belive scare storys which cannot be proven to be true as their not actaul facts.

Miss H @ 50 Do you not have an off button on your TV control ? I do. Sky TV will give you at least another 50 channels. Even BBC wll let you have other choices. Vote on !! I think those programmes are crap too.

Right on Post 62. Why do so many of the Scots I know down here have such a completely different attitude? { Indeed my colleagues & next door neighbours} parochial they are not........ There is a big world out there, beyond the "Best Wee Country" . I think, & I am sure, that we in England will cope with independence from Scotland, especially my neck of the woods!! Obviously this will upset some Scots whose cry for Independence seems based on "lets make the English suffer".... Get a life !!

I am very sorry Janis. I was being sarcastic. I went to a school in Glasgow you see, or to give it it's official title a Sarcastic Medium Education Unit.

Not only was I being sarcastic, I was lying.

I don't actually have a telly. Otherwise I would be watching Casualty or some other rubbish instead of writing this.

Yes, well Miss H I am spot on with sarcasm, being English that is . I don`t think Casualty is on tonight, so Post on I enjoy your comments.

With the disgraceful amount he claimed in "expenses" he should try "walking to" rather than "working with" England and it might get rid of that multiple chin.

When Alastair from Dumfries is attacking Russell Brown who fights his backside off for Dumfries and Galloway (hence the reaosn he humiliate dthe SNP into third place last year) he should reflect on the three list SNP MSPs who represent the South of Scotland but who frankly would have difficulty knowing where Dumfries was.

And when he is attending all those electioin meetings in Dumfries- he'll be able to explain to the people there why the SNP candidate in Dumfries supports privatisation of trunk roads and the water industry, health vouchers and more private hospitals, a flat tax – which would see stockbrokers paying the same rate of income tax as shop workers, and dropping the SNPs opposition to a coalition with the Tories.

The utter irrelevance of independence is probably more stark for people in Dumfries and Galloway, thousands of whom use the health service, education and employment services in Cumbria everyday.

Everyone there knows that with the SNP in a poor third place in Dumfries, voting SNP would just let the Tory candidate in the back door. But I suppose what they never guessed was that letting the Tory candidate in the backdoor would give them an MSP that was less extreme and right wing than the Thatcherite Nat candidate Michael Russell.

As far as I can remember Scottish history, the Scottish Aristocracy, apart from a few genuine souls, sold the Scots birthright for 20,000 gold, each. I reckon when you get independence you should get them, if they are still around, to pay some of the money back. Convert their estates into National Parks and keep the ramblers out of folk's back gardens.

"When Alastair from Dumfries is attacking Russell Brown who fights his backside off for Dumfries and Galloway (hence the reaosn he humiliate dthe SNP into third place last year) he should reflect on the three list SNP MSPs who represent the South of Scotland but who frankly would have difficulty knowing where Dumfries was."

I dont see how its not like you can miss the smell!

"And when he is attending all those electioin meetings in Dumfries- he'll be able to explain to the people there why the SNP candidate in Dumfries supports privatisation of trunk roads and the water industry, health vouchers and more private hospitals, a flat tax – which would see stockbrokers paying the same rate of income tax as shop workers, and dropping the SNPs opposition to a coalition with the Tories."

goodness you write some guff - if you believe all that you're more gullible than the average unionist.

"The utter irrelevance of independence is probably more stark for people in Dumfries and Galloway, thousands of whom use the health service, education and employment services in Cumbria everyday."

I agree, the folk of Dumfries are certainly alot more unionist, at the same time though they are generally more backwards and small minded than people in the rest of Scotland, just check out their new offering of the Scottish Christian Peoples alliance which is based in Dumfries. One of the most backwards parties in the UK and just as dangerous as the BNP!

If Dumfries is served so well by its Unionist MPs and MSPs - then why is it a complete mess? having lived in areas of Scotland with SNP representation and councils - Im absoloutly shocked and appalled that there are no dentists, very few cash machines and the town centre is a collection of charity shops and banks! - if you think Russel Brown and his unionist cronies are doing a good job you should get out more and get some experience in the real world!

Everyone there kn

Why does every article about the Scottish National Party always have to have a comment from some Labour unionist clone from the jobs for the boy's party at the end of it?

Where are all the labour party voters these days anyway? Certainly if they still support the jobs for the boys/King's of nepotism party they don't spout it forth any more, that's for sure.
Without a doubt Scotland can and will prosper as an independent trading nation even though the intellectuals and the unionist jobs for the boy's will tell us how we need England-yeah you mean the perfidious Scottish labour party need England for their nice wee number, don't make me laugh labour -the King's of lying.

Hiding the Gavin MacCrone report for thirty years proved how much Scotland as a home really means to these wretches!!
But the end result will be the same-independance will come, it's the just amount we will lose before we get there! Alba gu brath

Alisdair # 19. The reason I would like Scotland to remain part of the UK is that I would be very sad if the UK were to break up. The current set-up may not be perfect but it isn't broken to the extent that it drastically needs fixing. I'm a Yorkshireman and my county has lost quite a bit to Scotland (Army bases in York etc) but there is no real grudge because some of our best people are Scots. I'm also uncomfortable with an international border on the island of Britain. The other thing I don't like is petty nationalism (English or Scottish).

Robert the Yorkshire man you sound a nice bloke and I respect your belief's and stance. As someone who totally believe's in an independent Scotland I am always peeved at the inference that we are petty nationalist's.
I think long and hard about my values, politics and ecconomics and petty they are not. My Fathers second wife is an English lass & a supporter of the SNP, and because my father had to serve National servce my older brother Stuart and I were born in Darlington as Dad was stationed at Catterick.
I do not want Scotland to be dragged into world conflicts by Westminster and if at all possible I want to see as many ecconomic desision's made in Edinburgh. The border will not affect the right of people from England to live and work in Scotland and it shouldn't unless the forces of darkness implement trade issues stop the country's trading. It is not the size of this island that matters but the size of the ideas & I firmly believe Scotland has the people and the will to be an innovative free trading nation with its own outlook free from the jobs for life brigade that is the prevailing attitude in the Scottish labour party, and is holding Scotland back. Mind you sir, according to G Brown we will not be allowed to trade with England if we vote the union out. Aye thats democracy unionist style freedom of speech and ideas until people start listening to you-I for one will not be sorry to see the back of the British state!

Quite! How much notice does english Euro Mps take of Scotland?
None!
Within the U.K. we are ignored and within the Uk in europe we are ignored.
The best that our First Minister for staying with the UK is we can dump or nuclear waste in england. And that is the best he can come up with.Why?

How does Scotland benefit from the First Minister's 'Union dividend'?
With regard to the "Union dividend" referred to by the First Minister, Jack McConnell in his John P Macintosh lecture in Haddington.
There are more than 190 member countries of the United Nations, big and small, rich and poor. On average, their population has grown by 140 per cent over the past 50 years; not one has grown by less than 15 per cent. Scotland uniquely has achieved a zero population growth in that period. Why is that?

According to recent statistics, Scotland has achieved an average growth in GDP of 1.8 per cent over the period 1975-2005, bearing in mind that Scotland has been one of the world's major oil and gas producing countries during that period. I can find no other western European country with such a low average growth figure. Why?

Scotland is home to Britain's Trident nuclear fleet, and is involved in an illegal war in Iraq, both against the wishes of the majority of Scotland's population. Why?

In addition to these "dividends" could Mr McConnell give some other proven substantial and real economic benefits that our Union with england brings; benefits that we could not possibly enjoy outside the Union.

The claim by Jack McConnell that one benefit of the Union is that nuclear waste from Scottish reactors will be dealt with in england was an insult to the intelligence of Scottish voters.

The people of Scotland are strongly opposed to nuclear power, yet we have had reactors forced on us by London-based governments. Why?

Whether we become independent or stay in the Union, it will be the res

if we have to struggle,so be it.At least we would be making our own decisions.vote SNP

The greatest pity about the SNP is that, to this outsider at least, it has one of the most interesting and personable politicians of the UK. So, good luck for independence but could we have Alex Salmond in exchange, please