I think the real reason they are more likely to be in the army on the frontline has less to do with being angry, or bring brave warriors, and more to do with a lack of opportunities, poor job prospects, public sector dominated economy. Of course this is far less romantic war novel, and far more uncomfortable truth. You are of course free to disagree, and I’m sure you do 🙂

Tell that to the Black Watch.
According to Eddie Stone, nearly 75% of the UK SAS are Scottish – even accounting for exaggeration, that’s not bad for 8% of the UK population…

We’re a very angry nation, which is why the Scots have been always been used in Britain’s fighting front line so often in the last few hundred years.
Personally, I’m more than happy for anyone to support Scottish independence, even if it’s done in a sentiment of sneering contempt, but the sheer impertinence of anyone thinking England can ‘throw us out’ is laughable. It is not England’s place to speak for the whole UK.
Just the other day when the BBC were reporting on Scottish independence, the news reader said “We went to Edinburgh and conducted our own poll to see what Scots really felt about independence”, and promptly interviewed an English woman in an Edinburgh cafe!
Now I wouldn’t be surprised if a few TV sets got kicked in at that point! So long as the BBC and Westminster continue to make the same crass gaffs, independence is assured…

Personally I’m fully in favour of Scottish independence, they’ll have to pay for their own benefits and free university tuitions, no more financial help from England. Instead of having a referendum, can’t we just kick them out? 🙂

“No more financial help from England.”
Don’t NI and Wales contribute to the UK too?
“Can’t we just kick them out?”
That’s the trouble – many English think that England IS the UK, and not just one of 4 nations involved. To them, Wales, NI, and Scotland are just far-flung counties where the locals speak funny. England could no more kick Scotland out than they other way round.
It’s not an even partnership, and never has been…

Ask your mum or friends at the local to explain the joke to you. 😀

Ah Mish Funnyfanny – you musht be mishtaken!
(N.B. I’m retired, and my Mum would be 100 next year if she was still above ground!)

Well if Scotland does become independant will the old firm rivalry(Celtic v Rangers) spill over into mainstream politics? By that I mean a rerun of NI.

Paul – because there is a substantial Irish influence in Glasgow (as there is in Liverpool, too), the Protestant/Catholic issue does become inflamed there at times, especially in local politics and football, but as for the rest of Scotland goes, nobody gives a flying fig.
Religion seems to be dying out in most places, and as far as I’m concerned, the sooner the better. Paganism… now there is the future…

…Maybe as he prefers the French to the English, we’ll see a large part of the French Navy anchored in the Firth of Clyde. Just a thought…….

Just because Scotland wants independence, it doesn’t mean we hate the English – far from it. I’m sure the two countries would remain the best of friends and allies.

By “our” do you mean British or English, bearing in mind the Scots have paid for their share as well.

For once I agreee with you Arthur. 10% of the armed forces are paid for by Scottish taxpayers.

Interesting discussion on how assests and debts will be divided up last night with Salmond thinking it only fair that all the off shore gas and oil profits go to Scotland …

The international law on Scotland’s waters has been known for a long time. 92% of current and future reserves lies in Scottish waters.

speaking as a half scott , give them what they want !!

keep the oil and gas !! along with paying thier own unemployment benefits , funding thier own national health system , child bennefits , pensions , funding thier defence , etc etc !!

i know who would come off best !! for those still pondering ….it won’t be scotland !!

Independence has nothing to do with coming off best, and it’s not all about filthy lucre. It’s all about national pride, and looking after ourselves, with nobody else to blame if things go wrong. Eire isn’t doing too well these days, but I don’t think many of its people would want to return to being part the UK.

…This is the future head of an Independent Scotland – not much between the gills for planning a country’s future strategy IMO.

Say what you like about Salmond, but he’s widely credited with being one of the most able politicians in Europe. You won’t see many others, including Cameron, who will step up to take him on in a debate.
Once Scotland becomes independent, Alex Salmond’s role would be over anyway, and the SNP would split into Liberals, Labour, Tory etc.

It would be worth it just to see Sean Connery made head of the Scottish intelligence service.

Scottish intellect and inventiveness has probably done more for the world than any other nation has. What is your point?