This September my country (and those who reside in it) have to make one very important decision. Independence is currently all over a lot of newspapers and has always been something I have had very strong opinions but over the past few months, more and more Scots, myself included feel confused and let down by the lack of answers and information on an Independent Scotland from both sides of the YES/NO campaign.
In the Beginning
Two years ago when we were starting to think more seriously about an independent Scotland I was 100% anti-independance. I didn't see the point in messing something up that seems to have worked relatively well for the past few centuries. I feel blessed to live in a country (Scotland) where I have a great sense of national identity and a rich culture, as well as the icing on the haggis, FREE EDUCATION. Being a part of the UK means that we have a relatively stable economic state (or as stable as you can really be), we have access to free healthcare with the NHS and we are protected by the armed forces. When I spent a year abroad in Canada, I would tell people that I was Scottish, British & European. I saw myself as all three simultaneously.
A Year to Go and Scotland's Youth are Starting to Care
Over the past year the debate has really started to heat up. A night at the pub rarely goes by without someone bringing up the topic of independence, every day my Facebook newsfeed is flooded with NO and Yes campaigners. Independence has brought many young people of Scotland to actively think about the potential welfare of their beloved wee country and for the first time really engage actively with politics.
My Research in 'Scottishness'
Over the past year, my research at university was based around 'Scottishness'. How people determine 'Scottishness' from a national and international perspective. I began heavily engaging myself in material on everything Scotland. This opened my eyes to many of our stereotyped images. I learnt a lot about the independence battles of Scotland's past and how we lost our independence the last time (Scotland tried to build it's own empire, it backfired and we became bankrupt, England took us back). This made me think about our origins. Scotland was always an independent country. we fell upon hard times long ago and turned to the English for help, but were we ever supposed to stay a united kingdom?! Our traditions are worlds apart from the English, who share more of their history with other invading European nations such as Spain & France. Scotland's past lies in Celtic and Nordic routes, where many of our land and people are named after. All of this really go me thinking is perhaps I had many jumped too quickly onto to 'better together idea'. Yes we may be good together, but we are our own nation, and we could also both be amazing apart?!
The White Paper, SNP & Salmond
I have never really felt like I trusted the SNP. They seemed a party hell bent on one thing and never quite capable of achieving it. I have always detested Alex Salmond. He is the MP for my local constituency back home in the north of Scotland so I have met him on a few occasions. I always felt he was just a front man, a relatively good speaker and i'm guessing why he got the job. I don't think many people really felt that the current SNP have the ability to run an independent Scotland. I think this thought took its routes at the appallingly written 'White Paper'. With The Arts, Hospitality and Tourism being my field of research, I was particularly interested on how arts and culture would do in an Independent Scotland and the paper simply stated that they would 'support them'...?! Support?! They stated nothing about that support being financial, and with the soon closure of one of Glasgow's most beloved art galleries, The Burrell Collection, I fear for this sector in an independent Scotland.
Questions + No Answers = Confusion
Over the past few weeks there has been a few debates and even more campaigning as the day of the vote draws closer, yet I still feel like the most fundamental questions are not being answered by either side. The pamphlets that are dropped through our door on almost a weekly basis again answer no questions and all seemed to be based on loose stats that have been dragged out of thin air. I feel this debate seems to have turned into a a varsity of Sun articles where one minute red wine gives you cancer and the next it prolongs your life?!
So I'm here... still confused... but I don't think I'm the only one! I don't think anyone will know how this will all work out. The vote will be close and only time will tell if we do get to keep the pound and what will happen to our education and health systems?
On a recent trip to Aberdeen Art Gallery I cam across these evocative pictures and videos from Scottish Artist Rachel Maclean that once more got me thinking..
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Sarahxx
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