varian, I'm proud that we have Nicola in our political environment in Scotland. Her behaviour over the last few months has shown what leadership is all about. I've heard her speak in person and I've been in her company, and what you see is what you get. She has a vision for an independent Scotland that inspires me. She's not alone though, there are other SNP politicians that are equally impressive - Philippa Whitford and Stephen Gethins, for instance.
The current government at Holyrood is not perfect, no government ever has been. But most of Scotland think they are significantly better than the alternative, like paddyanne says that's why we keep voting them in 
I came to believe in independence at the time of our referendum, my heart had always been for it but finding out about our history and economy convinced my head as well. The Scots have been different to the English for a long time - we were independent for hundreds of years before we joined the Union, I'm sure you know that so I'm not preaching. As a nation we have a very different outlook, much more European and we're aware of our limitations as well as our talents.
I'm not sure what you mean by being told you are a foreigner in your own country, but despite what some try to pretend, Scotland will always welcome the ones who want to be Scottish.
Here endeth the lesson 