to ask how you feel about Scottish Independence?

[PierreBourdieu]

Particularly looking for opinions from South of the Border, but all opinions welcome. My FB is awash with Independence fever after the rally in Edinburgh yesterday. As a Scotwoman I am always interested to hear the views of the English and get that perspective. I'll not disclose whether I'm pro or anti as I suppose it's not relevant here, also not looking for a bunfight! Care to share?

I'm interested that the separation of church and state has been touched upon. It definitely feeds into the idea of a distinct Scottish culture. The presbyterian church was fundamentally responsible for the nurturing of the egalitarian myth and encouraged it through education, civic duty, communal values and strong social responsibility. All very typical Scottish ideals which shape the culture of wanting a more socially equal country. To be fair to most posters though, I'm not sure how much Scottish history is taught down south so I'm not surprised many don't recognise the very real existence of a distinct Scottish culture which differs wildly from that of our English counterparts. There are tomes and tomes of academic writings on the study of Scots as a distinct nation, we're not making this stuff up you know!

Well it's my point!

The two countries do not have a shared history? They have separate histories and a common history. Scotland and England are not exactly poles apart.

Am English living in Wales (have lived in Wales longer than lived in England).

Am thankful to live in Wales, as opposed to England, beause of the more left-wing style of devolved government, and the generally more left-wing mentality of the Welsh/those living in Wales.

I would prefer Scotland stayed part of the UK as am fearful that their departure from the Union would either lead to the same happening in Wales (which would not be financially feasible AT ALL IMO) or more probably, the impact that a greater proportion of Tories in Westminster would have on those still in the Union.

But day to day culture Pierre really isn't that different. Having lived as an outsider in both countries I really don't see huge cultural variations.

boney in answer to your second question, yes if they are registered to vote in england/Wales, No if they are on electoral roll in Scotland.

There was a big public consultation regarding how the referendum should be held. The outcome of that question was that if you are on electoral roll in Scotland then can vote.

So what people really seem to be saying is that in reality the difference is political and that Scotland is simply more left wing.

Perhaps culture is the wrong word? Ethos might be better? The difference in ethos is very apparent by the way the two countries choose to spend their money.

Oh I have heard the term "teuchter'''as in DP will say "oh that's a teuchter pub"
Didn't realise it was rude -the good thing is I cannot pronounce it properly so haven't managed to offend anyone with that one yet.

Yes, I think I prefer ethos too. Also, not wanting to fuel the flames or anything, but why is it that so many foreigners seem to actively dislike the English whilst embracing the Scots. And don't tell me this is not fact, we all know it is!

Because Scotland is a different country so to some extent can distance itself from some of the more unpopular aspects of the rest of UK.

Boneyback, Scottish people living and working in England could continue to do so if they chose, or move "home" if they chose. That would include elected politicians.

It has already been established that those on the electoral roll in Scotland at the time of the referendum will be those eligible to vote. Scots living elsewhere cannot.

Lol. In my experience most foreigners think scotland is a part of England. In terms of ethos if it is such a defining thing why do Scottish mps vote fr different treatment for England? Surely if the ethos was so all encompassing it would override their party alignment.

Up to the Scots, as far as I am concerned, but if they go for independence I suggest they take their national debt with them.

Lol. In my experience most foreigners think scotland is a part of England. In terms of ethos if it is such a defining thing why do Scottish mps vote fr different treatment for England? Surely if the ethos was so all encompassing it would override their party alignment.

Because the Scots are so desperate to be liked, grateful to just be invited to the party.
The English have a much more 'fuck you' mentality. We are all bastards basically [grins]

I'm English (with a Scottish parent)

I honestly believe that if you held a referendum across the whole of the uk, then Scotland would be independent. Because the English would vote to break the union. There is a lot of feeling in England that they are fed up of the scots bashing the English (all that ABE shit wears very thin after a while yet we are supposed to laugh about it) and generally be chip-on-the-shouldery about their oppressed status, whilst being subsidised from the south

So my guess is that Scottish independence is a much more popular opinion south of the border than north

I think full independence is a step too far and would prefer scotland to stay in the united kingdom, but opt for the third option of devolution max

Because the English are seen as the former colonisers ans the Scottish allow themselves to be seen as the poor oppressed cousin.

But really it just shows that people embrace lazy cultural clichés. Do you think this is a good thing?

SCOTLAND IS NOT SUBSIDISED BY THE SOUTH!

Well I think that is probably up for debate!

Pierre - I think you want a row.

No, not looking for a row, just something I've observed over the years.

And I think you're wrong Pierre

So why the shouting!