Not the place in Canada, but the one that is north of Carlisle. Who knows, next week it might be a foreign land. No longer part of the United Kingdom. Being resident in England, I do not have a say in the referendum. I’ve been living in various parts of England for nearly half my life, and have been holding a British Passport since I was 16.
There are some places that I like, and some that I dislike. I’ve been told to ‘go back where you came from – there is nothing here for you’ (dole officer, Rotherham). Been told that I have a wonderful accent, and told that I have a dreadful accent. Been mistaken for Irish and asked for directions (I appear to look like a ‘local’).
I have watched the debates, followed the polls, and heard the shameless bribery by the ‘stay united’ crowd – vote ‘NO’ and we’ll give you more money and power’. Listened to the ‘so unfair that Scots get so much’ and personally lived through entire industries being move ‘down south’ leaving Scotland with fewer jobs and less opportunity. The phrase of the time was ‘get on your bike’. I moved to where the work is, and I cycled over 50 miles a day.
Now I see companies like the banks (RBS, HBoS and the big insurance companies) bleating that they will have to move ‘down south’ if Scotland becomes independent.
So here is my reply.
Dear banks …
Who the hell thinks that the banks have been of any use to people over the past few years. Bankrupt banks and overcharging insurance companies? Who needs them. Sometimes you have to plough the old soil over before you can sow the new crop. If you don’t have the courage to stay, then we will not grieve over your passing.
Will times be hard for the New Scotland? Probably.
Can Scotland make it in the 21st century? Undoubtedly.
Will England accept the Scottish Pound? No. But then, it never did before.
Will I apply for a Scottish Passport?
YES!
Please feel free to comment.