Would an independent Scotland be happier?

Question

This may not be of interest to many, but it's a serious question. Time and again we hear small countries where the people feel part of decisions are the happiest - e.g. Denmark, Ireland and more. Would taking responsibility for its own governance improve the traditionally dour Scottish outlook? Or is our demeanour ingrained by the weather and a sense of failure?
... and would the remainder of the UK be happier without us?

Answer 1

I think the majoirty of both English and Scottish people would like to remain part of the union.

We must remember, the 'West Lothian' problem has been around for years..however, the Conservatives and right wing press, ala Littlejohn, need somethign to get people worked up..so they plan to relegate Scottish citizens to second class, with no rights to vote in england..

The enemy here folks is the Right Wing. They hate our country for its Liberal values, its acceptance of peoples worldwide and simply, its crucifying of the tories in 3 consequent elections

Answer 2

The problem as I see it is England,they still think of ruling over us (Northern Ireland,Scotland and Wales) as their right.They look down on us as second class citizens but still want us to be part of the UK because it gives them something to rule over.
I say this not as a republican;far from it,my hope would be for an independent Northern Ireland just as I am sure many people would like to see an independent Scotland and Wales.
As we are all fellow Europeans now anyway,I see no reason for us all to pander to the ideals perpetuated by a English based government !
So yes an independant Scotland would be happier as would an independant Northern Ireland and I would guess an independant Wales as well !

Answer 3

Unfortunately I don't think Scotland would be any happier if they were a fully-independent country. They do have their own say in government (the Scottish Legislature in Edinburgh, across from Hollyrood Palace).

I think that Scottish people (at least the Legislative Members) are slightly upset that they can't seem to attract anyone to live in Scotland. This is putting a strain on the economy, because the population of Scotland is continuously decreasing. The ridiculously high Pound Sterling, and costly of living put a damper on prospective immigrants (the weather doesn't help either).

I don't know if my answer has helped you answer your question.
:-)

Answer 4

I think we all need each other, but there is a lot of debate at the moment about how the rest of us in the UK send millions up into scotland. Equally so laws passed in Westminster affect Scotland so two sides to the coin.

In addition a whole new parliamentary system would have to be setup and there would be quite a few teething issues I'm sure. You would also have to ascknowledge existing law as the basis for your new country so in effect there would be little gained as chances are most laws the rest of the UK would adopt would be adopted by most other western nations in the world (New Scotland included) in time and given the demographics it would be little changed. I can't see what you would stand to gain!

Maybe, but I can't see it happening anyway!

Answer 5

If Scots really wanted to be independent wouldn't they be voting SNP at every election? Anyway, Scottish MPs already have a country to govern - the rest of the UK.

Once independent, who would they have to blame for all their woes?

I would take issue with the Irish being happier. Everywhere I've been in the last 20years, I've always notices a huge number of young Irish people wandering the globe - doesn't smack of happiness at home.

Answer 6

A lot of my family are Scottish and they want to be independent. I don't have a problem with it.

I think there should be a vote in Scotland (only) and see what the people in Scotland feel would be best.

If they voted yes then Westminster should allow it.

I wouldn't feel as though Scotland wasn't part of the British Isles it would just be similar to Eire.

I live in England and feel Brussels (European union) has too much control over the British.

Answer 7

No, because its industry would not be able to support its own welfare system. I.e. Scotland spends more money than it could ever earn. The country would be bankrupt.
The UK would not be happier without Scotland as it adds to the identity of Great Britain. Great Britain would not be great without Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland altogether.

That's my opinion anyway.

Answer 8

Free Scotland long live King Malcolm

Answer 9

It's the atrocious weather that makes them so miserable - it's not that they dislike the English (most of them move down here to live amongst us) - it's just that they know we get better weather than they do - and that we can wander about in shorts and bikinis with gorgeous tanned skin - while they have to hide their pale and light-sensitive spotty celtic skin beneath layers of tartan and wool.... it's no wonder they drink!

Answer 10

Absolutely, they would be happier. Self governance is always better. The rest of the U.K. is dragging down the potential of Scotland.