Hello again :)
I'd like to quote the post by Roseformeplease in case it gets overlooked on the tail end of the last thread. I didn't know what was already going on in the tourist industry, and feel it's a good example of how Scotland's prosperity is because of being part of the UK, not in spite of it.
"A lot of Yes voters seem to think that the people who leave, or lose their jobs are wealthy, Tory, and we could do without them. I want to share a story of someone who changed their mind to No recently, and why."
"We rent out a Highland holiday cottage and it is full for most of the year, creating one day of work a week for a cleaner. We employ someone who is self-employed to do this, alongside DH,every week. She was unemployed, working (not for us) cash in hand. The local job centre (who are lovely, and helpful) encouraged and supported her to set up as a self-employed cleaner and she now earns about £350 a week. This she spends on supporting her 9 year old daughter."
"She was a Yes but is now a No. She told one owner she was a Yes because "It will be better for people like me" and the owner explained the cottage was going on the market. Another is thinking of selling, but might just keep it for family. We are the third and we too will have to sell."
"1/2 to 2/3 of our business comes from England. They love the Highlands. By now we normally have 12-16 weeks booked for next year. We currently have 2. We cannot afford the repayments on the mortgage. (Long story, but let's just say we are reluctant landlords). However, in the short term, we won't be able to pay her £50 a week to clean. DH will have to manage alone."
"Now, we personally will cope. I am a teacher and earn a reasonable salary. DH has another part time job. But, she will struggle if that is the picture all around the area."
"And this is the amazing Scottish tourist industry, as it is working, at the moment, on the ground. I could give you other tales of hotel bookings cancelled, house sales falling through but this one wee story should help you to understand the economic cost of independence, on a tiny scale."
"She is now a No, and is working to change the minds of others who also have fairly lowly paid jobs that rely on tourism, before it is too bloody late."
"Hope, dreams, la la ideas about the EU and currency. They don't keep this single mother working in a job that gives her pride and makes her feel a success. She is a small business owner. (she even had someone helping her part time over the summer, making her an employer). She will be fucked come Friday, back on the dole within months."
"Oh, and there will be no money to pay for her dole because all the higher rate taxpayers will have left."