Edinburgh, Scotland: Too Many Governments

In 1707 the kingdoms of England and Scotland entered into a union, bringing them together as one united kingdom – Great Britain.

Over the centuries there was a growing call for increased 'home rule' in Scotland so, following a referendum in 1997, the Scottish Parliament was set up in 1999 as a devolved parliament within the UK.

15 years on, another referendum is looming. Tomorrow the people of Scotland will arrive en masse at voting stations to answer the question ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’

This is an incredibly unusual event. For part of a state to express a desire to become independent, and for a referendum to actually be allowed, is almost unheard of.

I have been following the campaign closely since my arrival in the UK, and in particular since arriving in Scotland and let me tell you, the atmosphere is electric – I have never seen people so engaged with the politics of their nation. This is not the usual state of affairs here. Much like in Australia, it is my understanding that voters here have become increasingly disenchanted with both politics and politicians.

But not anymore - everyone is talking about this vote. I have talked to people on buses, in shops, in cafés and while dancing at ceilidhs. The usual etiquette, dictating that you should not ask someone which way they intend to vote in an election, has been waved and people have been debating, both formally and informally, for almost a year.

I went to a debate last week at University and very convincing arguments were offered from both sides.

During a heated exchange on the economy, one of the No panellists suggested that an independent Scotland would not have the funds to set up a government. To which a very articulate (and slightly abrasive) Yes panellist responded

‘We already have a government – the problem is we have too many governments.’

This, to me, is one of the biggest issues facing voters. Most of the Scottish people I have spoken with feel they are not adequately represented at Westminster, and that the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood does not, and will not, have adequate power to change that.

Add this to concerns regarding currency, the economy, the National Health Service, university funding, nuclear weapons, foreign policy, exports, and EU membership and you will realise that the question ‘should Scotland be an independent country?’ is remarkably difficult to answer.

What is going to happen tomorrow?

I have no idea.

It would seem that no one else is sure either. Most of the polls are currently showing Yes at 49 per cent and No at 51 per cent, but there are others putting Yes ahead. The only thing everyone can agree on at this point is that it’s going to go down to the wire.

How would I vote?

I have no idea.

It seems to me that the Yes campaign has an advantage in that it is not so much a political campaign as it is a social movement. It is about change and empowerment and working towards a better future for the people of Scotland. The simple fact that they’re saying ‘Yes’ makes it a more positive campaign, and it’s that positivity and promise that has drawn voters in.

On the other hand, I think the Better Together campaign has suffered from a real image problem. No one thought that the Yes campaign would gain the support is has in recent weeks. So I don’t think Better Together thought they would really have to try to win voters. The campaign is surrounded by an aura of negativity and fear. It doesn’t seem like there has been a real plan offered to Scots for a better future – just the status quo.

The way I see it, no matter which way the vote goes tomorrow, the future is uncertain.

If it goes in favour of Yes there is uncertainty regarding the economy, EU membership, border control, and the funding of public services.

If it is a No there is uncertainty around the economy, EU membership (David Cameron has promised an in-out referendum on this by 2017), border control, and the funding of public services.

I won’t bore you by going into the details of all these things (unless you want me to) but, as you can see, debates about the best path for Scotland will continue either way.

A Scottish friend of mine recently told me ‘the maverick in me wants to vote Yes, but the realist in me will be voting No’. I imagine an awful lot of voters feel this way.

Because of that, I suspect that the silent majority will come out tomorrow and vote No. Deep down, I don’t think I want that to happen. I think an independent Scotland, after a tough transition period, would be amazing. But I also do not want my beloved United Kingdom to die. 

Come what may, there will be partying on the streets of this beautiful city tomorrow night. I only hope that on the other side of this vote the people are able to come back together and work towards a better Scotland, a better United Kingdom (if there still is one), and a better world.