Image via WikipediaFrom the outset, I wish to declare an interest in Scotland, and things Scottish. To be honest though, I also must declare an interest in Ireland and things Irish. The reasons for doing so are thus:I had the privilege of knowing a lovely young lady from Dunbar in Scotland for approximately three years. Very sadly, for me at least, that friendship did not result in the life long relationship that I had wished for. (I would love to know how that young lady is today)
I did however get married later to someone else. As a result I gained a dear but now sadly departed Father-in-Law, who was Scottish. The Grandfather of my wife, on her mothers side, was Irish. I reckon the above qualifies me quite nicely as having a declared interest in the land of The Scots. Incidentally, my youngest son has nailed his colours to the mast and supports the Scots in everything. I wish I could state my origins. I was adopted and have no real indication of my origins. I declare myself as being English. My wife, however, is convinced that my origins lie in the Mediterranean countries. In fact I was once asked if I was Greek, by some friends I had while living in Germany, so there may be some truth in what she says.
Right, back to where I came in. The Scottish Independence Thing. As history tells us, England and Scotland have, from time to time, not been the best of allies. During history, the Scots have joined forces with the French and the Spanish, in an effort to finish off the English. Of course, there were the days when the Roman invaders "walled" the Scots in so to speak, by constructing a stone barrier the width of England to keep the blighters in their place. The truth of that I believe, was that the Romans didn't know how to manage the Scot and his marauding, and were afraid of him.
Why is there the desire to part company with the English I ask? I hear a thousand or more scottish voices shouting Why Not, even as I write this. I ask again though,Why? Is there really, especially at this time of austerity rather than prosperity, a future in breaking away and being totally independant? Many believe so. Many believe otherwise though. Should independance be finally achieved, I forecast tears before bedtime. It is a purely instinctive and personal feeling, with no solid evidence for saying so or believing so.
My only definite evidence for saying what I do say is this: The English are not seeking independence from Scotland. Nor does England seek to see the Cross of Saint Andrew disappear from the Union Flag. What the hell is he on about you might ask?
Mr Cameron speaks sincerley about his feeling for the Union between our two peoples. I have not read one report, nor heard one word spoken by an English voice saying anything other than this.Perhaps it is is because the English need the Scots, more than the other way round! Not something I would expect to hear being discussed in pubs or clubs on a saturday night I know, south of the border at least!!
I just mentioned the removal of the Scottish element of the Union Flag. I don't know what would happen in the case of Scottish independence, but I would suspect that it would lead to us having to redesign "our" flag. My heart would not be in it. My heart lies in the current union between us.
What do you feel? You can contact me via the comment facility at the end of this article. I can then publish your views. I look forward to hearing from you.
No comments:
Post a Comment