Scotland's Historic Vote: Independence or Unity?

On September 18, Scottish citizen's living in Scotland (those who live in England or elsewhere are not allowed to vote) will decide whether to continue a 307-year partnership with England or declare independence from the United Kingdom. Either way, this vote will be history in the making.

John and I were in Scotland last week for a few days.  Everywhere we went there were signs for the vote.  There were 10 times more "Yes"  than "No" signs. But when we asked people we met how they intended to vote, everyone we asked said they would vote "No".  Confusing?  It gets worse.  One day the polls have the "Yes" vote for independence leading.  The next day, the polls say that unity will win and the "No" vote is ahead.  It is a white knuckle, neck to neck, razor close race and everyone in the U.K. feels passionate about about the outcome, whether they can vote or not. 

Here is an analogy for my American friends:  Imagine if Texas (or California, or your state) arranged an up-or-down vote to secede from the United Sates. The only people who could vote would be Texans living in Texas and the outcome of the vote would be binding and would forever change the definition and boundaries of the United States as well as the newly formed country of 5 million people.  That is roughly what the United Kingdom is facing on September 18.  If Scotland secedes, there will be all kinds of changes for both Scotland and for what remains of the United Kingdom. If the vote is to stay united, the issues that divide the voters will not soon go away, there will be continued tension and, for half the country, deep passionate regret. This opportunity to vote for independence won't come again in any of the voters' lifetime.  At the same time, if Scotland votes for independence, there is no going back.  

I've listened to many debates, read pro-independence and pro-united articles, and have felt the bludgeoning force of the political threats (i.e. Bank of Scotland and many other corporation claim they will leave Scotland if it becomes independent) and even I can see the merits of both sides of the arguments. Even so, if I could vote I would vote for the U.K. to remain united but with more self-governing powers going to Scotland.  At the same time I can see why the Scots want their independence and the opportunity to govern themselves. It has been fascinating to watch this process, think about all the questions this vote has and will continue to bring to the forefront,  and to realize that I care deeply about the outcome. 

For more information: 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/events/scotland-decides

 http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/16/world/europe/many-questions-arise-from-scottish-independence-vote.html?_r=0

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2014/09/15/scotlands_independence_vote_seen_as_razor-close_123973.html 

If you could, how would you vote?  What does this election mean to you? 

Scotland

Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware That jaups in luggies; But, if ye wish her gratefu'prayer, Gie her a Haggis!

- Robert Burns

Our first stop in Scotland was to St Andrews, regarded as the place where golf was invented.  It is one of the oldest courses in the world, where the game has been played since the 15th century.  

I enjoyed seeing the old tradition and respect centered around this revered links course.  John was thrilled that he was able to play the old course, and that he played it well. For many golfers, playing the old course is such an honor, it's a way to pay homage to game.

Today there are seven public golf courses at St. Andrews.  The old course is still the most beloved.

John, being a single player, had to show up at 5:30am and hope that he would be included with a pair or a three-some.  He was, and by 8:30am, he was on the course, thrilled to have the chance.

This is the view of St. Andrews from the Castle course.  It is a beautiful town with a lovely church and ruin and the home of Scotland's first university and the third oldest oldest in the English-speaking world, founded in 1413. St. Andrews is where Prince William went to college.

We then drove west to Fort William which is at the base of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Great Britain.  Our intent was to climb Ben Nevis but the mountain was covered in clouds and it was quite rainy so we opted for a drive further west to Skye.

The rugged countryside between Fort William and Mallaig has been immortalized in several of the Harry Potter films. In each film there are scenes of the Hogwarts Express steaming its way from London's Kings Cross Station northward toward Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. One of the most often used views is of the steam train crossing what we muggles (non-wizards) know to be the Glenfinnan Viaduct-a picturesque arched bridge through the highlands.

Sure enough, as we were driving the route, along came the Harry Potter Train!  The Hogwarts Express was actually the Jacobite steam train. For the filming, it was fitted out with a specially decorated locomotive and cars with traditional compartments with doors. The Hogwarts Express locomotive is now in a railway museum in York, England.  

By the time we arrived on the Island of Skye it was raining hard so I wasn't able to get any good photos of Skye.  I can tell you that is is beautiful, even in the rain.  As we returned to the mainland, we passed the Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. 

As we wandered south, John and I often commented on how much parts of Scotland reminded us of New Zealand, or Switzerland, or Austria,  or any number of spectacularly beautiful places in the world.  

Rolling mountains, lakes (lochs) and rivers and green as far as you can see. In fact there are over 31,000 lakes in Scotland! 

The countryside is dotted with castles ruins -- so many that after awhile you start to take them for granted -- Oh, there's another one!

At Loch Lomond we happened upon some highland games in the town of Luss.  The games began with a bagpipe band playing the the town square and attracting a crowd.  They then led the crowd as if we were lemmings following the pied piper to the the park and  playing fields on the edge of town.

The clan that sponsored these games was the Cahoon clan (Colqhhoun) and this is their tartan. We learned latter that tartans are a fairly new invention, made popular by Sir Walter Scott in the early 1800's.

Highland games are held through out the summer in various towns and villages.  It is a bit like a town fair or carnival with dancing, bagpipe, running competitions, and, of course, traditional games like hammer throwing and the caber toss (log throwing).

My favorite was the dance competition.  These kids put their heart and soul into the dance.  I was so impressed with the display of Scottish pride.

I was not so impressed with the hammer toss.  Who came up with that idea?

All around the outskirt of the park, bagpipe players were practicing their number.  Then, when it was their turn, they stepped onto this small stage and slowly walked around the stage as they played.  I have no idea how they were judged.  They all sounded pretty much the same to me.

The land around Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is simply beautiful with rolling hills and woodlands in the south to high mountains in the north.  Both are dotted with a variety of many lochs and rivers, forests and woodlands. 

The Fall of Falloch.

Finally, Edinburgh...

... with it's spectacular castle. 

We were so lucky to be there during a sunny spell.  Sunshine, beauty and no midges -- How lucky is that?!

This is Holyrood Palace,  the official residence of the Monarch of the United Kingdom in Scotland, or in other words, the queen's Scottish home.

This is the view from Arthur's Seat, the old volcano hill on the edge of the city.  It's a lovely walk to the top with a reward of spectacular view. 

New fans of Scotland!