The Scottish Government

I would also ask anyone who is thinking about independence to think about it, can Scotland survive on its own. Every person must ask this to themselves in isolation from politics or history because if we go down this road regardless of what the SNP say the rest of the UK/EU will not bail us out or accept us back. When the SNP talk about Ireland remember that BILLIONS were pumped into it's economy by Europe and that now the money is heading east the economy is slowing (fast). Take into account Scotland has generations of Families living of the state. That we have a very poor survival rate for start up business and the health of the nation leaves a lot to be desired.

I know that this is going to be looked at as more Unionist doom and gloom by the Nationalists amount you but before you get hot under the collar about this ask yourself is the grass always greener?

I have seen my town almost halve in size during my lifetime. Several reasons, but much of it UK misrule in allowing the demise of shipbuilding and engineering.
Greenock's strength, which attracted our own James Watt's grandfather from Aberdeen as a youth in the 1600's, was as a vibrant melting pot of hardworking people. We have a local pride in our national ingenuity and skills ability. It is this we tell to our visitors that arrive in by liner during summer months. We also have a pride in Scotland, often dressing accordingly for these same visitors.
My feelings are that the closer Government is geographically the better the result. Edinburgh, not my original choice, is close enough, and we should have a direct voice from there into Europe unbridled by London.

There is no doubt, in my mind, that the time for independence has come. Westminster has shown it does not understand the needs of the Scottish people and consistently passes legislation and engages in conflicts that are contrary to the will of the Scottish people. However, more importantly the Scottish Parliament has shown it is a good forum to represent the people of Scotland. With sound local solutions and smaller government, not to mention the wealth of political talent Scotland currently has, Scotland would prosper as a sovereign, independent country. As a young person, I feel frustrated that the Scottish Parliament is restricted in delivering its potential. However, I get the impression that more and more young people are realising that the current Constitutional settlement is not enough. I believe that we are on the road to independence. I don't want history to see my generation as the generation of hesitation. Let's seize the day and unlock Scotland’s potential now. Let's be the generation that delivers independence.

I believe that independance is fundementally flawed. At the minute as part of the United Kingdon we recieve such privilages as being represented in the UN security council. Scotland will not had this if it independant we are a countro of 5 million one of the smallest populations of a country in the world if we split from the UK will anyone take us seriously I think not. And all this about north sea oil i work in the oil industry and I will remind you that the good days of oil are over and don;t even think of nationalisation of oil would destroy what's left. We cannot survive on our own just as England would have a hard time without us, Wales and NI. Oh and the Queen is the Queen of Scotland too and this wouldn't change even if we were independant.

I would like to live in a normal country, one that decides where its army serves, who fishes in her waters, who visits, how taxes are spent and a country where nuclear weapons or foreign royal families do not exist.

I want to live in a free Scotland!

I'm a Scot working for the government of a none EU country in Germany.I have first hand exsperience of the EU Mentality on what they think of the British Isles as a thorn in the side of a Federal United State of Europe,the aspirations of the FRENCH and the GERMANS to achieve ecconomicaly what the could not by military means.I believe we have a great oppertunity to break out from the chains that the smaller countries in the EU find them selves locked into by promises of ecconomic illusions,
Scotland has the ability to remove those chains from England and the EU and offer Globbel companies conditions on Tax, enviroment, brains, a hard and honest working people.
Given the chance Scotland could be the envy of Europe,not choked by burocratic rubbish designed by Eurocrats intrested in their own ambitious.SCOTLAND the BRAVE, take this chance of Freedom,for the sake of future generations."We have had discourse with scholars and reasoned with fools, but still in our home land the foreigner rules."

Why are the pro-unionists against a referendum which includes a question on independence? Are they scared of the outcome or do they know best and we (the great uneducated) should just toe the line

508. Mike King, Read my post you refer to more closely: I say all should be welcome to comment, but those comments from Scotland - i.e. those most affected by the change - will carry most weight. I stand by that. You are, of course, most welcome to contribute to the debate (and will be affected by the eventual outcome to some degree), my point was that contributions from outside Scotland should be welcomed in general not merely those from the rest of the UK. Additionally, those views which you happen to disagree should not be shouted down; while you welcome, or even tolerate, others with whom you agree. That is what I disliked about post #499. I hope you can agree with that stance of welcoming all (regardless of the position they take)?

As an Englishman living and working in Scotland for the past year i say vote SNP and give England her independence. This Labour government knows if the English were given a vote on this issue the union would be dead and buried because more English want an end to this failed "marriage" than the Scots. So come on Scotland vote for INDEPENDENCE!!!!!

In my own personal opinion I rather see the city of Glasgow independent from Scotland and the rest of the UK rather than supporting full scottish independence because people argue that independence for Scotland will mean greater freedom and prosperity for the people of Scotland but what about the citizens of Glasgow where approximately 41% of people live below the poverty line. I would actually support Glasgow being fully independent from Scotland being able to control everything from education to law including taxes. I am proud to be Scottish but Im fed up of people from other parts of Scotland controlling the city of Glasgow. If people want Scottish independence why don't they support a fully indepedent city of Glasgow who can make their own decisions and govern themselves. Maybe then inequality and poverty could be dealt with more effectively. In addition full independence could give Glasgow more status as a sense of place attracting more tourists and as a result Glasgow might become more wealthier.