Scottish Independence

58% of Scots want another referendum within the next decade, according to latest polls.

So, not next week, but it's pretty much inevitable that it will happen.

As for the mediocre job the SNP are doing, while I agree there are failings, MSM aren't very good at pointing out the good stuff they've done. New Forth crossing, on time, within budget, paid for by Scots. Same for the Borders railway, and now the dualling of the A9. Massive increase in funding for Rape Crisis centres, new laws proposed re stalking, harrassment and abuse. Mitigation of the Bedroom Tax. New proposals to support people leaving prison to help cut re-offending...

Had the vote gone the other way would they be calling for another vote? Can't keep having referendums till you get the 'right' result. A year ago I was with a group of Scots people who were crying with relief that the vote had gone the way they wanted; can't imagine how they feel now.

Well, I don't much care for the way the recent General Election went, I certainly want another go in a few years.

Bennan, I agree re the atmosphere around last time. I was up in Edinburgh the weekend before the vote and noticed a very real change in the atmosphere there from my earlier trip late last year. It felt a lot more aggressive. My grandmother's side hail from Clydebank and were mostly dock workers. You lost some good MPs last time round and the assumption was that all SNP replacements would be Labour or Socialist inclined. I always maintained that was not a 'given'.
I don't intend to get too involved in this debate as I hail from NI where we have similar issues.

HirplesWith Haggis - Is Hirples a Scottish word? I ask because my Scottish grandmother used to use it.

I think it's a Scottish word, yes. Means to limp, or have an uneven gait, and in my case is a play on the "Dances With Wolves" theme.

I recall that Grandpa Broon used to do a bit of hirpling.

That would be it then - she used it mostly when her hip gave her jip.

I'm appalled at the prospect of another referendum. All that guff from SNP about 'once in a generation ' has been shown to be nonsense. Their record is not good. Their centralising agenda has led to poorer Police, Education and Housing. All the promises based on the oil price and we know how accurate their predictions on that were! Ggrrr really not looking forward to more unpleasantness - and there will be plenty of that if they persist in pushing their only real agenda.

I absolutely agree that the single police force needs to be looked at, but I wonder how much of what went wrong is due to the rather authoritarian and ideology-driven personality of Stephen House, who has at least fallen on his sword. Time will tell.

Education failings are already being addressed, dgs seems to be doing fine, but he's only P2, so again, time will tell.

But I really don't understand the complaints about housing. They're on target to deliver 30,000 affordable homes by next March, right to buy has been suspended (saving social housing) and there have been various grant-aided schemes for insulating existing housing (both rented and owned), fitting new, efficient boilers, help to buy etc. What more do you want?

Oh, and still on housing, they have also mitigated the Bedroom Tax.

Before the run up to the referendum I was very saddened at the thought of Scotland leaving the UK. During the run up the bad feeling and horrible scenes made me feel that I didn't really care one way or the other. Now I just feel if Scotland is determined to leave the U K, then the sooner the better - In the name of God, Go, because this issue will never end until you do, and frankly with everything else going on in the world, and the fact that whatever Westminster does it will never be enough, some of us south of the border are sick and tired of this never ending issue. It's a pity,but there you go (hopefully!)

That's the problem niggly we don't want to go! The SNP is not Scotland its just a vociferous party which was defeated at the last referendum. They get carried away with their own rhetoric and couldn't answer any questions on the economy. Aaaargh! Am so pissed off at them!

Sorry Jane10, I didn't mean to be offensive! and truth to tell, I just wish it could all quieten down, as my DH is a Scot, and we as a family love Scotland having spent some wonderful times years ago visiting the west coast, way up past Fort William, meeting fantastic people who were so friendly and kind, (it was a long time ago!) and I think it grieves me so much to think that with all the history between us good and bad, two world wars, and all we share, that we all, you as well as us, have to listen to all this vitriol, not once but now probably again!!! I know it's not perfect, nothing is! but we live in such a dangerous, frightening world, surely it's better that we settle down and stay together?

I entirely agree niggly!

I do get the feeling that the SNP will continue to keep demanding referendum after referendum until they get the result they want.

I agree NFK, they will keep on trying.They have to wait a while and see how things go, it's no time since the vote to stay in the UK, and the SNP seem to use it as a stick to beat the Government and the Scottish people with.
In Madeira earlier this year, we met a Scottish couple who told us how awful things had got in their village, and even after the vote, things were still bad.

Perhaps if I ask my question on here, I may get some (sensible) answers:

Scotland - traditionally a Labour stronghold, now overwhelmingly SNP. I'm not asking if Labour and the SNP will work together in Parliament, I'm asking if JBC's policies are compatible with those of the Scottish Labour Party's and will this mean a swing back to Labour in Scotland? Which could mean a swing to Labour in the next GE to the detriment of the SNP.

Which could mean that the idea of another referendum could become unpopular.

That's really awful roses. We were thinking of visiting Scotland this autumn, but we're going to North Wales instead as we're a little nervous of our reception in Scotland.

Yes, sadly it may well affect tourism.

She won't go for another referendum until the polls show over a good period that she would get a yes vote, and although they are slightly in her favour at the moment this has to be maintained and we can't be sure what the Jeremy factor will do.

One thing for sure Cameron seems caught in the headlights and seems unable to influence anything or anyone.

Oh, for goodness sake, don't take Ms Sturgeon so literally - tourists will be as welcome in Scotland this autumn as they always are. You will NOT be attacked in the streets, locked out of your hotel, or refused entry to stately homes or restaurants. No-one will spit in your face when you ask for directions, mug you on Princes Street or Sauchiehall Street, refuse your folding money because it wasn't issued by the Bank of Scotland.

I would like to say sorry to everyone who does not live in Scotland that this issue is going on and on . I had hoped it was done and dusted . I was so glad the answer was no last year and dread another referendum coming along . I do not blame anyone who is sick of hearing about this matter , plenty of Scots are as well.
With the chance of a Labour government coming along soon receeding and the thought of a Conservative government for years to come only adds fuel to the SNP . People will not return to Labour while this is the situation it all fuels the SNP cause.

of course not Elegran, but it is the 'perception' of things, and not knowing who is anti English.I think it may well affect tourism ( although not from the US)and if Scotland does go for independence next time ( there will be a next time) then I think it will certainly be a factor in English people's choice of a holiday. Sadly.