The Scottish Government

It is a fact that this site is for all who want to express their view on Scotland and its future.
I personally welcome all who visit even if I do not agree with their view.
I want to live in Scotland Independent and inspiring the world which Scotlands folk have done for hundreds of years. When people from other nations visit the site all here ought to thank them for taking the time to let this National Conversation know what they think.
It is helpful to see that many others who live outwith Scotland are positive in their aid for the nation.
It is a point of honesty that Alex Salmond has said that Sovereighity rests with the folk in Scotland therefore any person who is opposed to Independence ought to know that it is the will of the people that will prevail.
It is great that Scotland now has a leader who trusts people rather than following his own pride.

I can see the independence Vs unionist debate has been hammered to death and is repeating itself. On a slighlty different note then, what are your views concerning the SNP administration. I will confess I was vehemently opposed to them and voted Labour but I will also confess that I have a lot of respect for their performance to date in a minority position. In my humble opinion, they have quickly gone from loony nationalists to a credible government. And so, they have added greater credibilty to an independence proposal.

#499 - Is there any reason other than you appear to agree with the regular contributors from down south (Ellis Sims, Mike King etc ...) that you didn't shout them down too? It seems to me, that if you accept some (pro-union) posting from outside of Scotland you must also welcome pro-independence posting from outside. If you think our American friend Mr Forrester (#497)is "interfering in the internal politics of Scotland", surely those posting from elsewhere in the UK are doing exactly the same?

Just to clarify my own position, I personally think all should be welcome to debate here. However, I believe that posts from those living in Scotland are likely to carry more weight, as a rule.

[#499] It is sad to reflect on the fact that some are so insecure in their own opinions that they can become overtly antagonistic towards people whose opinions differ on the subject of ‘An Independent Scotland’. Anyone who is sincere in finding a better way forward for Scotland should welcome the fact that there are many outside of Scotland who wish to contribute to this ‘conversation’, and most reasonable people would agree that the broader spectrum of sensible opinion that is expressed, whether for or against independence and from wherever the source is located, the more likely it is that a constructive way forward will be found that meets the aspirations of most of Scotland’s current and future inhabitants. Of course, those that cannot conceive that there may be valid perspectives on progressing Scotland’s potential, other than their own, may struggle with this concept, but if that is the case then perhaps they should spend time thinking more deeply about their own opinions, and the logical consequences for future generations, rather than discourage others from expressing their thoughts and ideas.

I live in an area of scotland which is rich in scenery but poor in wealth. Local business is hampered by absurd levels of fixed expenses like rates and liability insurance. This is further compounded by distance from markets and terrible roads. Theres been virtually no serious effort to rectify any of the above in my life time. I dont hold out much hope of change in the future either unless we have a brain storm, wake up and see the reality of our existance. Some already have but many still choose to bury their heads in the sand. Some feel that as long as they can still afford to get drunk they can forget about reality quite nicely, for a little while anyway. Overall fear of change is our biggest enemy as a people, only when sufficient numbers feel that things cant get much worse will they throw caution to the wind. It's good to have a cautious nature but like everything you can take it too far. Scotland could do very well, either fully independant or as a part of a federal europe. The ball is in our court though and i hope we take the initive and run with it.
Try telling someone from southern ireland that they would be better off re-joining the English dominated UK. Just make sure you can out run them first.

#496 Dave Eastabrook - No, I don’t think we are that far apart on the EU either.

# 491 Ellis Sims - As I am sure you are well aware, there is no way the Republic would "rejoin Britannia" under any structure or circumstances.

It’s strange that more powers being given to historic nations are often contentious at the time ... but what once divided public opinion, now unites nearly-all in that polity. Outside of Britain look at Catalonia, Flanders, Quebec and others. What was once contentious is now the bedrock of political debate and discussion.

For example, look at the original devolution settlement in Scotland. "I agree there should be a Scottish Parliament" only got 75% of the vote in 97/98, now it would be truly overwhelming probably 90%+? The same even applies to the "tax-varying powers" currently devolved (referendum c63% to 37%). It is inconceivable now that such an admittedly useless power would be given back. The Lib Dems, the Scottish Tories - YES, the same Scottish Tories who opposed devolution a decade ago - are now in favour of more fiscal autonomy/fiscal federalism. When allowed to speak her own mind, even Wendy Alexander wants fiscal federalism. Although, you will hear less about that now since Brown downgraded her commission. The same arguments could be applied to Wales; where Plaid and Labour are now in coalition to work toward a Parliament, in the Holyrood style, under the "One Wales" agreement.

#497

I'm really glad you are proud of your Scottish Heritage as is my sister and my aunts who emigrated to Canada, New Zealand and Australia. However they are now Canadian, New Zealanders and Australia, just as you are American and pledge allegiance to the Stars and Stripes. You, like they are, are welcome to visit the place of your ancestors' birth, but have no right to interfere in the internal politics of Scotland. My birthright is that I can, provided I live here and pay my taxes. I would not dream of suggesting that Texas, California or any other State of the Union become independent from that entity, so what gives you the right to support a minority view of the population of MY homeland? The same right as American/Irish took upon themselves to fund the bombings in the UK? Sorry my friend, your sentiments are not needed, look after your own neck of the woods, we'll look out for ours.

it is interesting that after less than a year in power the snp have tried hard to change the cultural inferiority which many opponents of Independence formerly held.
Alex Salmond in my opinion has worked tirelessly to prove that his minority leadership can do at least as well as previous administrations did with a greater majority than he has.
if the opposition in Scotland would back Alex, who knows, the policies would gel and the work of creating the kind of nation most of the people want would start to happen.Look at the world,war loss of life,resources wasted families ruined.
it is time for ego and selfishness to take a back seat and the real work of leadership to start ending the inequalities that are prevalent in the nation and the world.

There are over 24 million people of Scottish ancestry worldwide and I am proud to be one of them. Millions of Americans are of this 24 million and most of us I believe are for a free and independent Scotland, but not one who joins the EU. Instead, may I urge you all to draw closer to the United States and Canada? We are freedom loving people who have many common ties with Scotland. Also, as your First Minister has urged, keep your open debate factual and honorable. We do not alwasy see that spirit in America, but most of us try to move it in that direction. In short - Independance YES, EU membership NO.
We are praying that you have wisdom and we appreciate your prayers as we elect a president in Nov. 2008. Freedom has a big price, but it is well worth it! This is your time in Scotland's long history. Set yourselves free and don't look back. After all, in 1776 we did and look what has happened since then! Blessings to you all.

493. PMK
I don't think you and I are far apart on the EU, and I take your point about the SNP - leaders v membership, a membership which holds disparate views on many issues. Which is good. I find the present parliament refreshing in that at last we have a government not puppet-stringed from Westminster. Hopefully the Labour party will now distance itself from the central party, and thereby represent Scotland effectively but "properly" in opposition - and in future perhaps in Government again. Not that I've anything against the SNP :-)

On an incidental note I've been looking through my web server logs, and the web access logs have more than doubled in size for the last 8 weeks. More than half the entries are through google or other engine searches for "Flower of Scotland", most from the UK, but many from nz, au, ch, es, it and others. Could be the rugby, but maybe there's a greatly increased interest in Scotland just now. I hope we get the tourists this year to match the interest, we could do with it after last year's floods down south wiped out our peak time (and that of the Lakes and North Wales).

We live in interesting times but!