Is this the beginning of the end for the United Kingdom?

So you're not saying that it would be a really bad thing for The UK then trisher.
As far as I can see The Conservative and Unionist Party would not be instrumental in Scotland leaving, so they may have to over see the breakup but it would be Scotlands choice to leave the UK, if they want to.

I think so craftyone, in fact I'm almost sure!
Things change trisher, what once worked perhaps now doesn't and the two sides would be better to separate and go their own way. Scotland the same. As long as that is what the people of NI and Scotland want, I see no problem.

A united Ireland and Scotland an independent participator in Europe would be good for England in the long run.

But would Europe want England to be a member again?

I'm not sure it would (did I say it would?) I just find it interesting that the Conservative and Unionist Party (which is still their title) may over see the break up of that Union.

if scotland goes independent does that mean that any funds from England to Scotland will stop?

So, the apparent advantage of the split would be for Scotland ?
I presume you live in Scotland SirChenjin, so I can understand your point of view.
What is a little confusing is that you would want Independence but still want to be tied to the EU.
What I'm trying to understand is what loss would there be to the rest of the UK.
Perhaps the OP can explain.

Does anyone know if there is a process by which Scotland could appeal to the EU if Johnson refused them the right to a referendum on independence?

You'll need the money where you're going Buffy

For the first time in my life I'm very open to the idea of independence - and I can't believe I just typed that. I've spoken to a few people at work today who voted no last time but could definitely be persuaded if it meant our EU vote was upheld.

Can someone tell me why Scotland becoming independent of the UK is such a tragedy?
I would think that it will save us a lot of money.

If that's what NI want, then that's fine as frankly it should never have been hived off in the first place, and but for the circumstances at the time, it certainly wouldn't have been. It would certainly solve the border problem!!
I have felt sorry for Jo Swinson! A horrible position to find herself in, not helped by a gleeful N.S, who should be ashamed of herself -Awful woman. Scotland is welcome!!

True Jabberwok but the election results show that the Nationalists have now more support that the Unionists A United Ireland would seem to be on the cards.

Good luck to Scotland and their independence, but I wonder where they would get their money from, at the moment they're paid more per head of population than we are in England from the government.

The Protestant North was responsible for the partition of Ireland! At the time in 1921, it was the only way of avoiding civil war between Eire and Ulster as the North refused to be incorporated into the new republic of Eire.

Perhaps London could also go for independence and EU remain

If the people of Scotland and NI want to go their own way so be it! NI in agreement with Dublin can rejoin the South and stay in the EU. Scotland however could find themselves out of both camps, then what?! Surely the need to get a cast iron agreement with Brussels about joining the EU before leaving the UK else they risk being well and truly 'on their own'!

Well who is to blame for the partition!
I think we are very close to a united Ireland now which I find preferable as we will be part of the EU. But I do worry about more terrorist activity from those who want to be part of UK.

JE I disagree. It is the intransigence of Boris Johnston and his ilk that is fuelling the demand for a second Independence Referendum. More and more Scots are disgusted that we have to go cap in hand to a man who couldn't care less about Scotland, who is hell bent on taking us out of the EU, when a big majority of Scots voted to remain.

As to the problems of a border - as I have suggested before, set the border between Scotland and England (much simpler than the NI/Eire border) and let remain voting NI, Scotland stay in the EU.

For those who question whether Scotland would be welcome in the EU, I would point out that Scotland is currently in the EU and Scots are currently EU citizens. If Scotland becomes independent of the rest of the UK during the Brexit negotiations and transition period then it will be able to REMAIN in the EU, without the need to re-apply.

If the people of Scotland and N.Ireland want their independence, they should be allowed to have it. I hope, though, that they think very carefully about it first. Going it alone may not be the best option for them. N.Ireland is not a peaceful country, I do feel there may be a civil war if they can no longer blame the English for every problem they encounter.

Yes. Scotland and now northern Ireland have shouted out loud that they're not happy with how Westminster is governing them.
Of course it's not certain that another independence referendum in Scotland would give us that ....but we are telling Westminster that that is what we want. It's as clear as the nose on your face ...as we would say up here.
It's our right others would argue.

Johnson will not want to go down in history as the PM to allow the break up of the union.

I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t lose any sleep over Scotland breaking away, ‘that verminous race’ but his ego won’t allow for failure on his part of losing Scotland.

I also think that the UK Government has to agree to a second Scottish Independence Referendum.

As I understand the whole of the UK will start the withdrawal process on the 31st January.

If Scotland votes for independence after that date it will have to apply to join the EU as an independent Scotland, and all that goes with it, accepting the euro and a hard border between Scotland and U.K.

I am happy to be corrected if I have got any of the above wrong.

There won't be another Scottish referendum for a long time. But I'm very afraid of where all that anger is going to be channelled to....

Because as I understand it, Boris would have to give permission for another Scottish independence referendum?

I stand corrected if that’s wrong.

Interesting comment - how do you come to that conclusion???

Obviously it’s less likely to happen now than under a Labour government.