How is it now?

[wellhelloyou]

I've not lived in Scotland now for nearly three years. Really really want to move back but need to save up money/work out a lot of logical things for the family etc..

Can I ask, I've been watching the political situation from afar and wondered what the 'general' feeling is in Scotland these days? I'm not looking to open a heated BREXIT or Indyref post, more just interested in people's opinions if it's a bit of same as always or general feeling has changed since the GE? I know no-one can speak for 'everyone' but just interested to hear if you feel things have changed since I left nearly three years ago or just a case of same old same old.....

My OH thinks I'm mad to want to move back, especially with the political climate... I just love Scotland, it's my true home and despite everything going on I would just prefer to be back for many many reasons....

Divided.

Not so divided over the Brexit thing as most of us wanted to stay.

But the independence issue is incredibly divisive and given that it's the SNP's whole raison d'etre, it's not going away any time soon. However, you can easily ignore as much of it as possible. I haven't really noticed any huge difference since the election, pretty much the same as it was 3 years ago.

What Pineapple said. Where about would you go to?

Same shite, different day....

Thanks for your thoughts. From speaking to a few friends I thought not much had changed, albeit it I'm conscious I'm in a bit of a echo chamber as most of my friends have the same opinions I do about it all.

@Twooter I'm not sure yet. Preferably not in Glasgow or Edinburgh but perhaps Perthshire or further up. No concrete plans as of yet.

@PineappleDanish "But the independence issue is incredibly divisive and given that it's the SNP's whole raison d'etre, it's not going away any time soon..." I did wonder about this, whether it's put a bit more of a fire in the belly of those who want this or whether it just felt like the usual... (some) Scots want one thing, Westminster ignore unless it seems to benefit them in some way.

Honestly, it's just the same as it's always been. The SNP are like a stuck record and just keep banging on and on about the same old arguments that Scotland is being ignored, the Westminster government doesn't speak for Scotland, Scotland is big enough to be independent.... the arguments haven't changed at all. And neither have the unionist arguments.

Both sides are polar opposites. John Curtice, the Oracle on all things IndyRef related, is in the papers today saying that statistics show that the SNP don't have a clear mandate for even holding IndyRef2, never mind winning the thing.

Scottish parliament elections next year will maybe make the picture clearer.

Thank you @PineapleDanish ... sounds like not a lot has changed at all since I left!!

The second bridge across Forth was just being finanlised when we moved. Is it all up and running now? Heard the trams were going to be extended... really?!

I live in Leith area and the raids currently barely move due to various works including tram- obviously the politics is ticking on in the background but every day life is fine, nothing is different

*roads not raids

Nothing's changed. The marches are fun though.

I believe you may have meant "raids" in Leith @happycamper11 ? seriously tho, I did live in Leith for a while in my 20's and loved it. Shame you're still battling with tram road works!!! where are they pushing through to, OT?

@Awrite the Indyref marches?

I'm in Angus but originally from Perthshire and have also lived up Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire and usually am in or around all those areas at least twice a month. To be honest it's business as usual, no real change over the past few years. There is a political shit show going on but not any more than usual. I still love my wee country and wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

@wellhelloyou Newhaven harbour I believe as works are already being done past OT but more recently talk of taking it out the the royal infirmary. I think we've accepted now that for the next forever we just have to allow hours for a 10 minute journey lol. I'm on the very edge of Leith but if the local fb page is anything to go by I believe the raids are still in full swing too although there are increasing complaints of gentrification also!

Aye @wellhelloyou. Fun, good natured, child friendly and great exercise.

Highest taxes in UK.
Next year you'll pay £500 to park at work.
Poorly performing NHS, schools and police.
A government that has one interest - independence - and nothing else matters.
Left wing centerists in charge - so one police force.
Councils starved of cash.
The new bridge appears to be in need of repair and is causing congestion.
Tram extension still being talked about, also banning traffic from the city centre.

Thanks @Witchofthenorth gosh, if I could snap my fingers I would be in a cottage somewhere in the "wilds" of Perthshire sitting by the fire with a cuppa looking outside across farm land... few chickens in the garden, veggie patch, happy family life.... one of my favourite places on the planet, especially in Autumn.

Good to hear things are fairly BAU.

take it you're not happy with the wee country just now @cdtaylornats are you thinking of moving or have you already done so?

Fun and good natured? Did you see some of the banners at the AUOB march last weekend? "Fuck the government and Fuck Boris". IRA sympathetic banners. "Class War Fuck off You Tory Cunts". "Tory Scum Out".

Lovely.

@cdtaylornats have you compared any of that to the situation in England? If you think it's bad here.....

Re £500 to park at work? In Perthshire? I live in Edinburgh and park at work for free everyday. This is not set to change!

Oh and I'm happy to pay a little more tax if it means a better standard of life for all in the country - will help improve all the things you have a gripe with.

Happy camper - this is the parking tax
www.scotsman.com/news/transport/scotland-workplace-parking-levy-what-is-the-new-workplace-parking-tax-and-how-much-will-i-pay-1-5021385/amp

I do agree with all cdtsylor says too, but still love living up here despite it.

Honestly, it's fine.

Most of us just get on with enjoying our lives here, and politics/independence is of little interest/consequence.

It's not something we all sit round discussing when we're living our lives.

If you want to live here fine, but don't let politics dictate that.

Thanks @MakeMineALargeProsecco not only do I love Prosecco but your words too. I'm trying to tell OH that, we're not directly involved in politics (you know what I mean) and we can just find great work, wonderful place to live, excellent school and be a happy family !!

Ok that article re the parking only states councils will be able to choose whether to implement, but presumably this is still only for people who have to pay for parking or using company car parks anyway. Most people who work directly in the city centre prefer to get the bus or do a park and ride anyway. Most people where I am walk or cycle - it won't affect everyone by a long stretch even if a local council does decide to implement. It certainly won't affect me and I work for CoEC