[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

GypsyGoth - I totally agree that it would be better for England, or at least Englands national identity, in the long run. My partner is English now living here in Scotland and has commented on how sad it is that England currently has very little national identity as an individual country, whereas Scotland, Ireland and even Wales all have quite strong identities as countries. "English" identity is firmly routed in British identity / the British Empire and now that that empire is dead, England finds itself floundering with very little solid identity of its own. There are great areas and regional micro-cultures buy even those are dying out to some degree. We lived in her hometown in Lancashire for 3 years and it always saddened me that the older generations had such a local identity - the accent, the attitudes, the sense of humour - were all so very "Lancashire" but the younger generations just have generic Manchester accents and no sense of local identity at all.

I think that's what some people living in England fail to understand: they talk about how Scotland will be so small with independence, and won't have that "global" place "on the world stage" that the UK as a whole "enjoys". They find it hard to comprehend that, maybe, we don't WANT a big place on the world stage or in global politics... That Scottish people might be happy to just roll with the punches and be Scottish, in Scotland.

It's the attitude of power and empire that's been handed down through the generations. People find it impossible to change that view that being a "major player" is the be all and end all when, in reality, in our day to day lives, it doesn't matter at all. It's just pride.

Great post, that makes alot of sense

[Brother Leon]

I say **** off and take this man with you.



Scotland's use is no more now

[MTVN]

A deal on sharing control of the pound between an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK is "unlikely", analysts at the global bank Citigroup have said.

They also said it was "astonishing" the Scottish government did not have a currency union alternative.

The three main Westminster parties have ruled out a formal monetary union in the event of a referendum "Yes" vote.

...

The Citigroup report said there was "nothing inherently implausible about a country with Scotland's population and economy being independent", but raised concerns that:

Scotland's fiscal deficit was "now significantly above UK levels" because of a recent fall in oil revenues

Scotland's "large" banking system, with bank assets of more than 1,000% of Scotland's annual GDP, might be too big for the country to bail out

There was uncertainty over the currency and monetary policy for an independent Scotland.

It said: "We regard a sterling monetary union as unlikely, but we are genuinely unsure what currency and monetary policy would be adopted by an independent Scotland.

"In our view, it is astonishing that the Scottish government, in seeking independence, has reached this stage: seeking a currency union without agreement with the rest of the UK and without a clear alternative plan."

More here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotlan...itics-26489307

Maybe not such a bluff after all it seems

[Z]

Yeah I find the lack of what they're actually going to do a bit concerning - they're more interested in political mud slinging and trying to drum up support than actually planning ahead for the last wee while which I think reveals a lot about the ego of Alex Salmond. He wants to go down in history as the guy who led Scotland to independence. He's a bit like a dog chasing a car - what's he actually going to do if he ever gets what he wants? Seems mad that you'd be trying to push for independence without thinking about something as vital and as basic as currency...

[Kizzy]

Here's a question, is RBS actually owned by Scotland?

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

GypsyGoth - I totally agree that it would be better for England, or at least Englands national identity, in the long run. My partner is English now living here in Scotland and has commented on how sad it is that England currently has very little national identity as an individual country, whereas Scotland, Ireland and even Wales all have quite strong identities as countries. "English" identity is firmly routed in British identity / the British Empire and now that that empire is dead, England finds itself floundering with very little solid identity of its own. There are great areas and regional micro-cultures buy even those are dying out to some degree. We lived in her hometown in Lancashire for 3 years and it always saddened me that the older generations had such a local identity - the accent, the attitudes, the sense of humour - were all so very "Lancashire" but the younger generations just have generic Manchester accents and no sense of local identity at all.

I think that's what some people living in England fail to understand: they talk about how Scotland will be so small with independence, and won't have that "global" place "on the world stage" that the UK as a whole "enjoys". They find it hard to comprehend that, maybe, we don't WANT a big place on the world stage or in global politics... That Scottish people might be happy to just roll with the punches and be Scottish, in Scotland.

It's the attitude of power and empire that's been handed down through the generations. People find it impossible to change that view that being a "major player" is the be all and end all when, in reality, in our day to day lives, it doesn't matter at all. It's just pride.

That makes a really good and interesting read Toy Soldier as is the case with near all your posts.

Really well said and I would say totally accurate too.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Firewire

literally no one in scotland wants it except the egg who's the first minister bye it'll be a no vote anyway (hopefully)

That is utter lies

[Crimson Dynamo]

Anyone who watched gogglebox last night and saw the posh family talking about Scotland and independence would have seen a good example of one of the exact reasons why Scotland wish for independence.

[Livia]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

Anyone who watched gogglebox last night and saw the posh family talking about Scotland and independence would have seen a good example of one of the exact reasons why Scotland wish for independence.

As if anyone would ever think that pair of ridiculous knobs represent the English. Or indeed, represent anyone other than detestable, loathsome middle class dickheads.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Livia

As if anyone would ever think that pair of ridiculous knobs represent the English. Or indeed, represent anyone other than detestable, loathsome middle class dickheads.

woooah there cowgirl, dont break the spell - the woman steph in that is who I have you pictured as in your Norfolk mansion?

[Livia]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

woooah there cowgirl, dont break the spell - the woman steph in that is who I have you pictured as in your Norfolk mansion?

As she's about thirty years older and at least three stone heavier I am delighted to disappoint you.

[andybigbro]

No I don't want Scotland to become independant!
I like being part of the UK

[Marsh.]

Originally Posted by Livia

As she's about thirty years older and at least three stone heavier I am delighted to disappoint you.

But do you share her drink problem?

[seanraff07]

Not sure if there's already a thread about this but hey-ho.

I'm guessing a lot of folk on here are from UK outwith Scotland, just wondering what your views are on the whole Scotland for independence?

I'd say going by hearing other people's views, it's not far off 50/50. Personally I'll be voting no.

[Crimson Dynamo]

what, when is this happening?

[Josy]

Scottish. Voting No.

We have a thread in serious debates about it I will merge this into it...

[Smithy]

I don't really give a flying ****