Would an independent Scotland go same way as Ireland and Iceland?

I suspect the 'no oil left' rumours are being quietly circulated by oil companies so they can charge more. Also I don't think independence would be in their favour.

Oil firms are still investing million because there is still 20 years of oil left in the North Sea!

Noticed this Q&A from the BBC which sets out to answer questions about how the referendum would be conducted.

Also this and this about Westminster's position.

If the no campaign is run by the tories then people will vote yes just to object to them. That could backfire spectacularly. If the no campaign is to win the top labour mps need to get their arses back to scotland, reinvigourate the scottish labour party and lead the anti-independence campaign.

But, as a patriot, i hope they dont.

I used be proud to be Scottish and British: I spent my year in France explaining "je ne suis pas anglaise - je suis ecossaise ou britannique" because they saw English speaking as synonymous with English.

I'd even have voted against Independence in the vote in 1979. However, it took place c.3 weeks before my 18th birthday, so I couldn't vote - even though my name was on the register and therefore counted as a "No" vote

However, that was 30 years ago. Times change.

I think what Salmond has done over the last 4 years is give people the confidence that we are capable of running our own affairs. I even know Tory voters who have voted SNP this time around because they are impressed with how Salmond has managed the task of government - especially the delicate balancing act of a minority government.

His new "delicate" task will be maintaining that consensus in a majoirty government.

someone posted this on fb today.

"Just once I?d like to hear a Unionist say: ?Of course the Scots could successfully rule themselves. Other nations do it, why shouldn?t they? I just happen to believe we?re better off within the British state?.

i reckon it's how i feel about the whole thing, what are the real, honest, pro arguments? i see that the 'you're too crap to run your own affairs' line is probably the more successful, though.

I read the Independent article and feel it was not a very balanced piece, imo, some great comments below it from readers.

I would love to see a split like the one between Norway and Sweden, two countries with polarised politics at that time, from what I have very briefly read, but they split semi-amicably and it was very positive.

aye, so he says. i think his dad is a jock, so fair dos. (as we say up here).

I'm not sure, but I think Rod considers himself Scottish, even though he was born in England. He could have been born in Kathmandhu, but he is still Scottish.

What happened when Ireland split from Britain? That might throw some light on it.

really interesting, tapsel. my norge chums are always baffled that we aren't independent.

rod is english, mind you.

Sean and Rod are world famous Scots who have done well. I am sure they fly the flag for Scotland wherever they go. People like them are great ambassadors for Scotland, much better than the politicians, because they have earned the worldwide public's affection.

Interesting parallels ?The Dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden

I like Rod Stewart. Which side is he on?

lol. we think he's a nob because he is an old bastard who lives in spain and comes her to lecture us about our own business.

Shurely there is no comparison between Sean Connery and John Reid. No contest. Put it to the public vote.

No, shurely not?
Why do teh Scots think he is a nob?

yes, but we think he is a nob.

Yes the might of the media will be swung against independence. But they may be underestimating Alex Salmond and the SNP. Salmond is very capable and may put a spanner in the wheel. Who will they use to convince the Scottish people to vote no? Scots like John Reid, Gordon Brown, Ming Campbell? Haven't the SNP got that Scottish and worldwide legend, Sean Connery?

if you listen to the rscotland link you can hear him. he's the opposite of tub-thumping, very measured and calm. and english, iirc.

Aitch I read the Hughes Hallett article.

I think the SNP going for a positive campaign won them votes, so I am not sure how a no campaign will succeed, especially if it is Tory led... time will tell.

oh yes he is, isn't he? had forgotten he was ashdown advisor.

claig, i couldn't agree more. i cannot see a vote for independence go through for that reason. if they cannot get such an obviously better voting system through (although across scotland it was a much closer-run thing) then how to persuade people to go it alone after three hundred years? all the naysayers have to do is spin a few doom-laden predictions and people will shite it.

Interesting article there from Paddy Ashdown's former press secretary.....there's a quite few assumptions in there