Scotland’s Independence Referendum viewed from a distance

After months of intense campaigning the Scots will cast their vote on 18th September in the most important referendum in the Nation’s long history;  Yes or No for an Independent  Scotland, Yes or No for parting ways with the United Kingdom. 

Stripping the rhetoric, of both the Yes and No Camps, to the bones the question is simple enough; do the Scots want to shape their own future, take responsibility for their Nation’s decisions while building a more equal and fairer society - or - do they prefer to continue  living under English tutelage?

Polls indicate that the Yes and No camps are racing neck and neck towards the finishing line with only one percentage point separating them. 

If you belong to the 7% of eligible voters still undecided its time to consider the arguments for and against Scottish independence.

Under the slogan: “Better Together” the No Campaigners claim that Scotland cannot afford Independence and a Yes Vote would result in National Bankruptcy. They will have you belief that an Independent Scotland will be abandoned by the banking world, big business and industry.  Sponsored by their masters in Westminster, they have presented ambiguous, incomplete and at times even false information.  Statements such as: “The North Sea Oil reserves are nearing their end” and “A currency Union with the UK in the event of Independence would be incompatible with sovereignty” are designed to instil fear and insecurity in the electorate. 
The Westminster Scare-Mongers, led by the Prime Minister, visited your towns and villages and painted a dark, gloomy and stormy picture of a Scotland governed by the Scots for the Scots. An emotionally tearful Mr Cameron sounded like a “curdled whiskey peddler” using the stick and carrot approach alternating between praising Scotland for its greatness, begging it to stay in the “family”  and veiled threats of disinvestment and job losses. 

In summary the “Better Together” campaign was a litany of negativity and pessimism. It was lacking creativity and vision, focusing on perceived weaknesses and possible threats. The message; Scotland, without charity from Westminster, has no future. Scotland won’t be able to finance itself without increasing taxes. The list is endless.

The Yes campaigners in contrast presented clear, honest and most importantly verifiable messages. 
Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands - Alex Salmond and his team explained their vision for a brighter future for all people living in Scotland coherently and convincingly. In debates with their opponents they remained transparent and addressed each topic with patience and solid facts. Their claim that an Independent Scotland would be richer than the rest of the UK is backed up by hard facts and verifiable figures. Scotland’s wealth of opportunities is no myth and will be the driving force for a more equal and fairer Independent Scotland which takes into account the differences of Scottish values to those south of your borders 

By now you will have guessed that I am not a Scot or at least not a Scot by birth. It was my late father in law, a true son of the Kingdom of Fife, who some 35 years ago, introduced me to the idea of an independent Scotland. To my shame I must admit that he did not convince me at the time and I remember saying: “Dad, Scottish independence is not relevant today, I will think about it when it becomes relevant.” I have kept my promise and I have thought long and hard weighing the pros and cons carefully. 
The facts and figures speak a clear language. Scotland’s contribution to the Union, in the past, have been a driver of success for the United Kingdom. Today’s Britain is Great because of the Greatness of Scotland.
By voting Yes you are neither undoing the past, the long common history with Great Britain nor are you abandoning old friends or dishonouring veterans. By voting Yes you acknowledge that Scotland has reached a watershed, a point in time in its long and glorious existence when change will open doors to new opportunities. The time for Scotland to decide its own destiny without having to compromise for the benefit of others. A new era when Scotland’s challenges have priority and decisions at the highest level are made by Scots for Scots. 
What more compelling reasons could there be to vote Yes for Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands?
I wish all the people of Scotland Godspeed in the referendum. 

J.S.