The Saltire is the national flag of Scotland, proudly displayed throughout the land on public buildings, car stickers and many flag poles. It's also currently all over the TV, newspapers and social media because of the forthcoming Scottish Independence Referendum on Thursday 18th September. I won't provide any links - just Google it and you will be overwhelmed with information (or disinformation!).
I also won't say how I am voting and I won't say much about it on my blog. But to not acknowledge what is going on would be strange as it is such an historic occasion. Currently the polls have both the Yes (in favour of Independence) and No (against Independence) almost neck and neck, and depending on the day and the source either one in the lead by a couple of points. It will be a close run thing, with just 51% needed to decide the vote. With the vote being so close (according to the polls anyway) whatever the outcome there will be challenging times ahead as nearly half the country will not be getting the result it wanted.
As the saying goes "We live in interesting times".
Interesting times indeed.
ReplyDeleteYes indeedy!
DeleteI can't recall an electorate so engaged with the politics of the day. It is amazing. Also, it is refreshing that, reputedly, there will be a good turn out to vote at the polling stations.
ReplyDeleteIt was brilliant having so many discussions with such diverse folk with varying views. Hopefully that energy can be carried forward now.
DeleteGood luck for Scotland, anyway ! Within or without the UK, it's a great great nation.
ReplyDeleteI think so :-)
DeleteI wondered if you might mention the referendum. It does sound very close, and I hope that whichever way the vote goes, that there will be a bigger majority than 51 percent. But I am sure you are right in that division will remain no matter how the vote goes.
ReplyDeleteI tend not to discuss politics or religion on my blog! Well apart from when it interacts with life on Graemsay.....
DeleteAs a Canadian I can relate to this somewhat as around 25 years ago, Quebec held a similar referendum and boy it was a nail biter. The results were very close and though Quebec remains part of Canada, I suspect there will be future referenda.
ReplyDeleteUnlike The Ukraine, Scotland's change or not change will be peaceful and regardless of the outcome of the vote, the sky will not fall, the sun will rise, and Scotland will always be Scotland.
Consider yourself HUGGED.
Yes it's all be very peaceful. Just the odd bloody nose in a bar brawl as far as I know! Not sure the divisions will be healed anytime soon for some though.
DeleteAnd thanks for the hug! :-)
DeleteVery interesting and DH and I have been following the debate very closely, since the result will affect the whole of the British Isles, not just Scotland.
ReplyDeleteOur TV news tonight stated that the polls have it too close to call. I read in the paper this morning that the older people want to stay with Great Britain whereas the younger people are ready to become independent. I guess we will all have to live until late Thursday to see what will be added to the history books.
ReplyDeleteIt is all over the news here in Canada, too. And having spent a week in Scotland recently, I have been assured that so many people are thoroughly tired of the whole thing. Will be thinking of you all on Thursday night.
ReplyDeleteThe poignancy of Scotland's referendum result is that The Scots are proud to be Scottish, but not sufficiently confident to be independent.
ReplyDeleteI followed your election and found it interesting, especially since we here in the USA fought a bitter civil war when southern states tried to leave the union.
ReplyDelete