To be concerned about national unrest in a post-referendum Scotland?

[MalcolmTuckersMistress]

So I live in Scotland, I am Scottish., we know it's coming one way or another, but the main thing that worries me is what happens AFTERWARDS? This is going to be very close possibly I guess around 50/50. Either way this means that 50% of the country are going to be hugely unhappy with the result and this is absolutely bound to lead onto to trouble.

What plans are in place to make sure and ensure that we won't have to face some ugly demonstrations and some nasty situations? People feel very strongly about this either way and it can not be denied that strong feeling and politics don't mix well.

This is a serious question so I really don't want to be shot down please.

The Scots generally aren't prone to violence. They may complain (poll tax for example) but they didn't riot like the English did. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

YANBU, but I would hope that the Scots have enough respect for democracy that they will also respect the decision their fellow countrymen have made.

It would be very sad for Scotland and reflect very badly on Scots if they started protesting after they have been given a fair and democratic referendum.

People will just need to accept the result of a democratic vote. Not sure what form the demonstrations could take really and what their grumble would be. People will take to twitter no doubt, but to the streets? I doubt it.

I agree people won't be happy but I don't think there will be any kind of violent repercussions if the majority vote no.

I'm Scottish too and I don't think it will be close at all. I think the debate so far has been partisan and pedestrian. Given the usual turn out for elections here, I think it'll be more of a damp squib than a firework. Still, you're perfectly reasonable to ask the question if you're seriously worried.

Really OP?

I'm in Scotland and people don't seem to care enough if you ask me.

There won't be violence

They will shrug and buy each other a pint after.

In truth, very few give a proper fuck.

Violence usually happens where people feel desperate, and although I know many Scots feel strongly about this I wouldn't say they have a sense of desperation about it.

I would say I feel strongly in favour of the yes vote but I am not anticipating it to win if I'm honest.

There has been no extreme campaigns for either yes or not votes that I am aware of so far so don't see why that would change if a no vote came about.

Where do your concerns come from OP?

I doubt there is any specific place where people would be demonstrating - who do you object to if you don't like the result of an election? No doubt there will be individual arguments, but no worse than after a football match.

We don't really have widespread public outcries about things, in general.

And, as I say, I don't think there is a single focal point to attack even if people wanted to get nasty about it.

AFAIK there weren't any major demonstrations the last time this was debated / voted on, even though the result was unpopular.

I'm Scottish in Scotland, will be voting yes, live on the periphery go Glasgow (not in the best area) but have no inkling of violence. We'll probably go down the pub or have another bottle of Buckie

We'll probably go down the pub or have another bottle of Buckie

At the moment Scotland is ruled by a government in Westminster that it didn't vote for.

Whatever way the Independence vote goes at least we will get the outcome that the majority of the Scottish people want.

There will be no unrest.

Will be very interested to see what percentage of the electorate turn out on the day to vote.

Out of curiosity - what percentage would be bothered to turn out and vote?

I had to google because the turn out was low, but in comparison, the electorate turn out for Welsh devolution was 50.1%. Of that 50.1% an overall 50.4% voted for devolution. So in reality, 49.8% didn't care, making it a smidgeon over 25% of the total electorate that voted in favour.

Checkin the Scots devolution referendum figure - they were only marginally better ""Although 51.6% voted in favour, this was only 32.9% of the electorate so the Assembly was not brought into being""

Well, 60% of Scots turned out for the vote on having a Scottish Parliament, and 64% for the vote back in 1979, so I think there's a reasonable amount of interest!

As a "useful idiot", I will predict turnout in the region of 75%, with the vote 70/30 in favour of yes. There will be dancing in the streets, while disgruntled no voters stay home to put the house on the market and start packing.

OldLadyKnowsNothing

Will the kilts and war paint be out braveheart-esque style too?

I also cant see us crushing berries painting our faces and rising up if the vote goes against we will shrug and humph a bit but go back to normal like we have always done I dont think you have honestly anything to worry about,

Yes, men will wear no underwear in celebration of being real Scotsmen

I was in England last week as we drove over the border me and the husband was talking about if we do eventually get independence will a huge gate come down so we cant cross the border like a check point charlie

Kilts, yes, Braveheart no. Only Unionists even mention That Bloody Film these days.

Saltires and Lions Rampant will fly from every lampost, the sun will shine upon Leith, and all will be well with the world.

Mmmm, I think the immediate aftermath would be fine. It's a few years later, when reality starts to kick in, that I'd be worrying about.

and even if it is a yes vote then it could take years and years to be independent anyway