Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

Scotland would need first to join the EU, which for a whole variety of reasons is not a given.

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

Maybe you could elaborate? You keep making these sweeping statements with no evidence or detail.

Are you familar with the Barnett formula? That is the main reason why Scotland has done well since devolution, not "the Scottish government" Independence = no more Barnett formula.

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

Why are you all ruining good Scotch with your compound constructions? The only thing I take in my Scotch is a dribble of clear water.

Incidentally, can anyone put me on to a supplier of Highland Spring or Deeside water in the US where the shipping isn't actually more than the #%$%*&# water costs? :) They do not have it at the shop in the Rice Village.

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

Its not really a sweeping statement ,much more simple than that.The concept of independence is self governance or simply put,to do better than the last mob.The Barnett formula only came into use in the 70s .Of course it wont exist after independence but the scottish government has done better ,its not me just saying it ,its a fact .

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

I see, when you say "fact", you mean it in the way Alex Salmond means it - "It is a fact because I say it is a fact".

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

Actually, I think the rot set in when we pinched the stone scone, though why the theft of a stale pastry should cause so much hard feeling is a mystery.

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

I miss Lardy Cakes.

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

ooooooh.

:( I had forgotten those.

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

Yes there was always that issue, which of course was compounded by the cross border sheep rustling in which you lot constantly indulged. Bad enough in itself, it didn't help that the sheep were never the same after their alleged intimacy with their captors. Who could blame them?

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

It's not our fault you could no longer satisfy them.

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

Ok Im not Alex Salmond but tell me if these are facts or fiction.The Community Care & Health Act free personal care for the elderly ,Mental Health Act ,every person with mental health disorder the right of independent adovacy,Homeless Act ,homeless people the right to perm.accommodation,no university fees for students,free public transport for 16 to 18yr old,over 60s and disabled,no precscription fees.Correct me if Im wrong but England has none of these .In England some people are having to sell their elderly parents homes to pay for care. One of Scotlands big problem is alcholism,the scottish government is addessing this problem which was completely ignored by UK parliment. Obviously its not all rosy but I believe the scottish government ARE doing better.

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

They were kinda needy.

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

Indeed, why try when we could depend on you lot?

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

And over in Houston, a Yank with no dog in the fight has to excuse herself to the loo so she can laugh her head off without co-workers staring... :D

Re: the Scottish independence issue
 

Acts existed in the UK before and after devolution, they aren't a Scottish invention.

UK Mental Health Act 1983
Housing Act 1996; Homelessness Act 2002
NHS & Community Care Act 1990

It's easy with Wikipedia - but you end up getting an incomplete picture (for example, prescriptions aren't free for "over 60's and disabled" in Scotland - they are free for everyone).

I completely agree that social welfare provision is marginally better in Scotland (I live there, experience it first-hand, watch local Scottish TV and listen to local radio every day and read local newspapers, I don't need to use Wikipedia to search for facts). But most of this social welfare provision has been subsidized by an imbalance of tax revenue allocated to Scotland, which won't be there after independence.

And free university will be a thing of the past when the UK and Scotland become independent - it will become illegal to charge English students and they will be over the border in their thousands. The only feasible solution will be to charge everyone. Try Googling Bologna Agreement.

As for harmonious government following independence, I watch First Minister's Questions regularly and it makes Prime Minister's Questions look like a love-in.