The Scottish Government

In the 1997 referendum, 25% (that was over 600 000 people) voted against a Scottish Parliament. I presume many of them, like me, preferred the existing unitary arrangement. But a return to a unitary arrangement will now not even be an option in the next referendum. That's unfair.

Its all well and good having a referendum bill for those living and working in Scotland but what about the 795,000 Scots that live in England and Wales? Don't we get a say?

I support Scottish independence as the option which offers Scotland the best chance of economic prosperity, the Scottish people the status and dignity appropriate to their nationhood, and the people of the current United Kingdom as a whole a stable settlement which provides the opportunity to cast off nostalgia for Britain's 'glorious' past and make a fresh start as part of 21st century Europe.

It is about time Scotland had the chance to speak up for Scotland. It is absurd that in this day and age, we are still controlled by Westminster.

In reply to "John - Edinburgh - Thursday, August 14, 2008 13:24"

If you can find support in the devolved parliament for the reunification question then yes, if not, then no.

It's frustrating isn't it.

Just ask Scottish fishermen and the people of their villages how frustrating it is when a parliament like Westminister ignores their views.

We should never have been controlled by Westminster in any day and age.
The act of Union was corrupt and deeply unpopular in Scotland, the British propaganda machine (ie BBC and education) have subtly fooled a lot of Scots into believing we are somehow incapable of managing our own affairs. Anyhow, I m probably preaching to the choir.

I am so glad that we finally have this opportunity to discuss our future. It angers me that we have been deprived of this by the previous lib/lab "administration" and, infact, that we have been deprived of this for hundreds of years. It is a very positive thing for Scotland to now have a government working with Scotland's best interests at heart. I look forward to full independence when we will flourish as a succesful, wealthy nation.

I support full independence for our beautiful, ancient, proud nation. It's disgraceful that we have contributed so much money to Westminster and the Union and received consistent financial betrayal in return.

I agree with the Scottish Government's commitment to offer the people of Scotland (and only those who reside therein) a choice on their future apirations for this nation.
A democratically elected Government has a duty to listen to the voices of the people they serve; only then shall the people of Scotland have the opportunity to decide thir nation's future.

As a Scot living overseas, and having had experience of important referenda on important issues ,i.e. 1992 referendum in South Africa on continuing negotiation towards a democratic South Africa, I feel that Scots should participate by being able to cast their vote if they feel they need a say on which direction to go on the independence issue. But the crux will be the question posed in the referendum itself. Here in Australia many were unenthusiastic by the questions posed in the referendum on a republic which led to many retaining the Queen as head of state. So, until we see the question asked, we can only speculate on what we would or would not decide, although my view is that Scotland has always been able to go it alone if we focused our collective energy on it as a European state. We need to get on with the decision and live with it. Many people in other countries have reflected that handwringing prior to moving ahead was silly in hindsight, and that little had changed afterward. We Scots are at this stage where we are questioning the decision. Let's vote and accept whatever happens! I wish all of you well and I'll be there if I get the chance to vote as it is important!