Would an independent Scotland prosper?

Question

Bearing in mind the following facts:

In 2002, the Constitution Unit published figures showing that over the most recent 20 years Scotland was £24 billion in surplus, while the UK was £410 billion in deficit

Over the past 30 years, the UK government has taken £200 billion in tax from North Sea Oil. Around 90% of the UK’s oil revenues come from the Scottish sector of the Continental Shelf. And less than half of the stock has been exploited, giving valuable time to expand into other industries.

Scotland already has a Parliament and an infrastructure which could be easily adapted to support total independence.

Answer 1

It's an excellent question.
Not being from Scotland, I'm less qualified to answer it than you are.
However, I believe it's an economic decision above all else. If Scotland were entirely free from Westminster it could adopt advantageous tax policies that could easily cause economic prosperity.
Look at Ireland. Had Ireland been part of the UK it would not have been able to lower corporation tax in the mid 90's. This move is one of the main reasons Ireland is among the worlds wealthiest nations at the moment.
Scotland is presently rather poor relative to England (on an income per head basis). If Scotland could decide it's own monetary policy it could deliberately attract investment away from the rest of the UK.
The fact that Scotland is semi-autonomous at the moment should smooth the transition.

Answer 2

Given the facts you just presented, Scotland would be more than capable. Have the voters had a referendum? Is the structure of Britain similar to Canada, where Quebec threatens to go it alone? Here, its the opposite where Quebec is the net benefactor of belonging to Canada......I would hope there is no difference in spening throughout the British Isles, or does the lions share go to England? If they are ripping Scotland off, then go for independance. If its being shared equally, then I hope you leave well enough alone.

Brock MacLean
Vancouver, Canada.

Answer 3

If Scotland kept the North sea oil they would probably be ok for as long as it lasted. Without it Scotland would be in serious trouble but shaking off Englands tax policy would offset it somewhat.

Answer 4

It's about time Scotland becomes an independent nation. You are a rich country, as Ireland, you will be better offf to be free of UK. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Sounds like a good case for Independence to me. I wonder how Ireland is doing these days.