Alibet Good points Raintown. I can't believe so many otherwise-intelligent people are being borne away on a wave of utopian euphoria. It's crazy to think the rUK will do us any favours post a 'Yes' vote and who could blame them? Even if the politicians wanted to cut a deal on currency etc, the weight of public opinion would be against it. As J K Rowling said, this would be a very bitter divorce and our unique social & cultural union will be gone forever.
Raintown Unintended consequences: the people of the rUK will feel like scorned spouses and we know what irrational behaviour that can generate! This could have significant consequences for Jobs and Trade.
- As a foreign country, the 1M Scots jobs dependent on English-based companies would be especially vulnerable. Similarly, the opportunities for Scots to take up jobs/promotions in England (there are currently 800,000 living and working there) would be severely reduced. Separation could restrict our childrens' aspirations for generations to come.
- 60% of Scottish Exports go to England, principally Food & Drink. These are currently regarded as 'British' and find a ready market with English consumers. In the event of separation, the latter are likely to be develop a greater taste for Norwegian Salmon, French Mineral Water, NZ Lamb, etc rather than buy anything Scottish. This could be disastrous for our fledging economy, given that it's so dependent on this sector & the unpredictable Oil industry.