Scottish independence

[Sir David Gray]

Do you back Scotland breaking away from the United Kingdom and becoming an independent nation?

[horseman]

it would be a disaster . look at holyrood , we can agree on nothing . plus as part of the uk at least we have a voice in world politics .

[Sir David Gray]

I'm going for the middle option. I would like us to be an independent nation but I would never vote for it for as long as the SNP, the Socialists and Solidarity are our only options.

[GlesgaeHibby]

I'm going for the middle option. I would like us to be an independent nation but I would never vote for it for as long as the SNP, the Socialists and Solidarity are our only options.

Aye, because the Scottish Labour party showed this week what a great job they'd do eh?:faf:

The SNP are the best of a bad bunch in there just now.

[Hibrandenburg]

Do you back Scotland breaking away from the United Kingdom and becoming an independent nation?

My heart tells me I'd love to own a Scottish Passport but my head tells me that we've not changed much since Burns wrote about a "Parcel of Rogues in a Nation".

[Austinho]

Currently Scotland is a small fish in a small pond. If we went independent, we would be a tiny fish in a big lake. Who would take us seriously?

[ggth]

yes, I would love to have our Nation back again in full control.
For the english who live here they should'nae get a vote.....

if your Scottish why would you want another country to control yours

[steakbake]

yes, I would love to have our Nation back again in full control.
For the english who live here they should'nae get a vote.....

if your Scottish why would you want another country to control yours

I think everyone should get a vote and everyone should be considered Scots who live here after independence. I've no time for people who blame "the English" for everything. History has shown that Scots have been Scotland's own worst enemy.

As for being a "wee fish in a big lake", around 70% of the countries of the world have a population of less than 10mil yet they seem viable enough that they don't run to their biggest neighbour looking to hold on to their apron strings. Plenty of countries are taken seriously. It's not always a question of numbers. Belgium, for example, hosts the European Parliament, the European Council, the Headquarters of NATO... the list goes on.

Is there something genetically unique in the scottish nature which makes us incapable or something?

[Hainan Hibs]

I voted yes as it's about time we took complete control of our issues and not be ruled by Westminster.

Unfortuantely there are too many big jessies in Scotland that quite happily take the constant pumpings from westminster and just have a wee moan about it.

[Woody1985]

I think a lot of people want independance on the assumption that we'd get the oil and gas money.

I think we would be better off if we did get it but don't see it happening. I think we're probably stronger as the UK.

I also used to love Scotland and think it was great but it's a sht hole full of junkies, drunks and people with permanent chips on their shoulders.

[Hibbyradge]

Aye, because the Scottish Labour party showed this week what a great job they'd do eh?:faf:

The SNP are the best of a bad bunch in there just now.

Another great argument for a No vote. :thumbsup:

[Hibbyradge]

yes, I would love to have our Nation back again in full control.
For the english who live here they should'nae get a vote.....

if your Scottish why would you want another country to control yours

So my wife, who lives and works, pays taxes in Scotland and contributes to Scottish society, wouldn't have a say in the running of the government?

:hmmm: Where have I heard an argument like that before?

Would the same apply to the Poles, Norwegians, Pakistnis, Bangladeshis, Chinese, Indians etc etc?

It's exactly because of narrow minded, bigotted attitudes like that, that I'm against independance.

[Hibbyradge]

I voted yes as it's about time we took complete control of our issues and not be ruled by Westminster.

Unfortuantely there are too many big jessies in Scotland that quite happily take the constant pumpings from westminster and just have a wee moan about it.

What pumpings are they then?

[capitals_finest]

So my wife, who lives and works, pays taxes in Scotland and contributes to Scottish society, wouldn't have a say in the running of the government?

:hmmm: Where have I heard an argument like that before?

Would the same apply to the Poles, Norwegians, Pakistnis, Bangladeshis, Chinese, Indians etc etc?

It's exactly because of narrow minded, bigotted attitudes like that, that I'm against independance.


:top marks

As much as we have produced some of the world's greatest men (and some great women too), we have an above average number of twats in this country. We also have an above average number of lazy bassas that have no interest in working. This is what puts me off independance.

[Antifa Hibs]

If it was going to make Scotland and its people better off, then yes. If it's just so I can have a passport that says 'Scotland' instead 'United Kingdom of Great Britian' then no chance.

[Austinho]

If it was going to make Scotland and its people better off, then yes. If it's just so I can have a passport that says 'Scotland' instead 'United Kingdom of Great Britian' then no chance.Which is exactly why we would be better off staying well clear - the number of patriots with tartan tinted specs, wanting independence simply because they hate the English is worrying.

I know it won't be a popular view on here, but Great Britain is a great country. I think we would be taking two steps back to take two steps further back if we distanced ourselves from it.

[hibsdaft]

i would vote yes if a referendum ever happened.

but in the meantime its not high on my list of priorities.

[RyeSloan]

If someone could tell me what 'independence' really means then I might decide one way or another.

There was a thread on here recently where I asked what currency we would use..no one knew the answer. Considering Salmond was bigging up Iceland as the Scottish role model only recently then you have to ask what would have happend to a truely independent Scottish nation in the last 12 months.

I've also seen no detail on how we would raise and collect taxes, what level they would be and what they would be spent on.

Dunno if it exists but a draft constituion would be good as well...how would we control this new country of ours? What law would we use? What rights would we have........

So little detail but yet people seem happy to say yes just because they dislike the status quo but without really knowing what they would get instead...I find that a bit strange really.

[Sir David Gray]

Aye, because the Scottish Labour party showed this week what a great job they'd do eh?:faf:

The SNP are the best of a bad bunch in there just now.

I don't support Labour either, but since Labour aren't a pro-independence party, I didn't mention them.

I won't support independence until there's a major pro-independence centre-right party in Scotland. All of the independence parties are either left wing or centre-left and I would never vote for them.

What I can't get my head around is that the SNP are intent on pulling us out of Westminster, fair enough you might say. But on the other hand, they're all for Scotland being fully integrated into the EU.

So, instead of being governed from Westminster, we'll be governed from Brussels.

As far as i'm concerned, it sort of defeats the purpose of independence.

I'm actually in favour of Scotland becoming a fully independent nation, but only if that means we get out of the EU, at the same time.

In terms of what currency we would use, surely we would just use our current Scottish banknotes and get them recognised worldwide as legal tender, or am I over-simplifying the whole process?

[Darth Hibbie]

If someone could tell me what 'independence' really means then I might decide one way or another.

There was a thread on here recently where I asked what currency we would use..no one knew the answer. Considering Salmond was bigging up Iceland as the Scottish role model only recently then you have to ask what would have happend to a truely independent Scottish nation in the last 12 months.

I've also seen no detail on how we would raise and collect taxes, what level they would be and what they would be spent on.

Dunno if it exists but a draft constituion would be good as well...how would we control this new country of ours? What law would we use? What rights would we have........

So little detail but yet people seem happy to say yes just because they dislike the status quo but without really knowing what they would get instead...I find that a bit strange really.

:top marks

There is no indication as to what would happen to the Armed Forces, North Sea Oil, Tax, Movement within the rest of the UK, Passport control at the Border. Until somebody can give any indication as to how all these things and many more would be sorted out then I am afraid its better the devil you know.

The SNP have shown that they are no better than anybody else at the moment.

[steakbake]

If someone could tell me what 'independence' really means then I might decide one way or another.

There was a thread on here recently where I asked what currency we would use..no one knew the answer. Considering Salmond was bigging up Iceland as the Scottish role model only recently then you have to ask what would have happend to a truely independent Scottish nation in the last 12 months.
I've also seen no detail on how we would raise and collect taxes, what level they would be and what they would be spent on.

Dunno if it exists but a draft constituion would be good as well...how would we control this new country of ours? What law would we use? What rights would we have........

So little detail but yet people seem happy to say yes just because they dislike the status quo but without really knowing what they would get instead...I find that a bit strange really.


The UK itself is not far off needing a loan from the IMF to keep us from going to the wall.

I'm not sure that quite how many people understand how close to bankruptcy the country is just now.

We are uniquely placed - uniquely being the words of the IMF report - to feel the worst effects of a recession. Our currency has plunged in value to the Euro and Dollar.

While the SNP are full of bluster about how good things would be, the unionist parties shouldn't overplay their card either.

The UK is not in a good shape and either argument sounds a bit hollow right now.

[RyeSloan]

The UK itself is not far off needing a loan from the IMF to keep us from going to the wall.

I'm not sure that quite how many people understand how close to bankruptcy the country is just now.

We are uniquely placed - uniquely being the words of the IMF report - to feel the worst effects of a recession. Our currency has plunged in value to the Euro and Dollar.

While the SNP are full of bluster about how good things would be, the unionist parties shouldn't overplay their card either.

The UK is not in a good shape and either argument sounds a bit hollow right now.

Very true but have a look at Icelands troubles now and tell me you would not prefer the UK's position, poor though it is.

[RyeSloan]

I don't support Labour either, but since Labour aren't a pro-independence party, I didn't mention them.

I won't support independence until there's a major pro-independence centre-right party in Scotland. All of the independence parties are either left wing or centre-left and I would never vote for them.

What I can't get my head around is that the SNP are intent on pulling us out of Westminster, fair enough you might say. But on the other hand, they're all for Scotland being fully integrated into the EU.

So, instead of being governed from Westminster, we'll be governed from Brussels.

As far as i'm concerned, it sort of defeats the purpose of independence.

I'm actually in favour of Scotland becoming a fully independent nation, but only if that means we get out of the EU, at the same time.

In terms of what currency we would use, surely we would just use our current Scottish banknotes and get them recognised worldwide as legal tender, or am I over-simplifying the whole process?

Hugely!!! :wink:

[Sir David Gray]

Hugely!!! :wink:

I thought so. :greengrin

In that case, we'll just need to invent a new currency. Don't know how easy that is, either. :confused:

[Darth Hibbie]

I thought so. :greengrin

In that case, we'll just need to invent a new currency. Don't know how easy that is, either. :confused:

W could call it the Buckie (or would that jsute be for the west:greengrin)

[Hibbyradge]

W could call it the Buckie (or would that jsute be for the west:greengrin)

Nah. It should be called the Bobbee. :wink:

We can argue about the spelling.

[ancienthibby]

Nah. It should be called the Bobbee. :wink:

We can argue about the spelling.

OK - so would you accept 'bawbee'!!:agree:

Or maybe a 'coulter' as from 'coulter's candy'??

[GlesgaeHibby]

I don't support Labour either, but since Labour aren't a pro-independence party, I didn't mention them.

I won't support independence until there's a major pro-independence centre-right party in Scotland. All of the independence parties are either left wing or centre-left and I would never vote for them.

What I can't get my head around is that the SNP are intent on pulling us out of Westminster, fair enough you might say. But on the other hand, they're all for Scotland being fully integrated into the EU.

So, instead of being governed from Westminster, we'll be governed from Brussels.

As far as i'm concerned, it sort of defeats the purpose of independence.

I'm actually in favour of Scotland becoming a fully independent nation, but only if that means we get out of the EU, at the same time.

In terms of what currency we would use, surely we would just use our current Scottish banknotes and get them recognised worldwide as legal tender, or am I over-simplifying the whole process?

The Tories are never going to be pro independence, so you could be waiting a while.

[Sir David Gray]

The Tories are never going to be pro independence, so you could be waiting a while.

I know, i'm hoping that there will be another party that is set up. I'm not holding my breath, though.

[PeeJay]

Personally I think a better answer to the UK’s problems would be to establish a republic rather than break up the union for Scottish independence. I would set up something like 10 – 11 states up and down the country (UK), each with elected parliaments, have them meet in a second chamber at Westminster.
Get rid of the House of Lords completely and all lords, ditto the queen and all aristocrats/parasites.
Basically move power away from its far-too centralised base in London and spread it throughout the UK.

[steakbake]

The Tories are never going to be pro independence, so you could be waiting a while.

You could be waiting a while, but you might not be waiting forever.

The Tories have very much embraced devolution despite originally being opposed and I think they are one of the more effective parties in the parliament.

They are pragmatists (and opportunists!).

Still would never vote for them, though.

[down-the-slope]

:top marks

As much as we have produced some of the world's greatest men (and some great women too), we have an above average number of twats in this country. We also have an above average number of lazy bassas that have no interest in working. This is what puts me off independance.

Aye but if we were independant then we could have public floggings and removal of incapacity benefit from them :wink:

[Petrie's Tache]

Yes, because we'd have a better chance of winning the Eurovision song contest on our own.:agree:

[Hibbyradge]

[/B]OK - so would you accept 'bawbee'!!:agree:


Yes I would! :thumbsup:

[sKipper]

If someone could tell me what 'independence' really means then I might decide one way or another.

There was a thread on here recently where I asked what currency we would use..no one knew the answer. Considering Salmond was bigging up Iceland as the Scottish role model only recently then you have to ask what would have happend to a truely independent Scottish nation in the last 12 months.

I've also seen no detail on how we would raise and collect taxes, what level they would be and what they would be spent on.

Dunno if it exists but a draft constituion would be good as well...how would we control this new country of ours? What law would we use? What rights would we have........

So little detail but yet people seem happy to say yes just because they dislike the status quo but without really knowing what they would get instead...I find that a bit strange really.

Why do you assume independence supporters are as ill informed as yourself ?

[RyeSloan]

Why do you assume independence supporters are as ill informed as yourself ?

Because every time I ask one of them they don't have the answers.

As I said if someone could present a detailed case of what an Independent Scotland would actually look like I would be more than happy to give it air time and see if it was worth supporting....

From the SNP's own website:

"If a majority of those who vote in the referendum vote for independence, representatives of the Scottish government will then begin negotiations with Westminster to agree an independence settlement. While negotiations are under way, a written constitution for an independent Scotland will be drafted, which will guarantee rights for Scotland’s citizens and set out how Scotland will be governed. "

I.e vote first find out what you have voted for later....

Oh and another wee gem:

"Independence would enable Scotland to become more successful. Other small European countries have higher levels of economic growth and living standards than Scotland. Independence gives those nations the powers to shape their country for the better. Scotland could have this too.

Off our east coast lies Norway, the second most prosperous country in the world.
Off our west coast lies Ireland, the fourth most prosperous country in the world.
Off our north coast lies Iceland, the sixth most prosperous country in the world.

These independent countries represent an arc of prosperity "

Oh dear. :bitchy:

[sleeping giant]

Do you back Scotland breaking away from the United Kingdom and becoming an independent nation?

Oh yes:agree: