Celebrate or Commiserate Should we celebrate the 1707 Act of Union or commiserate the loss of a once independent nation next year. Personally, I won't be celebrating because it wasn't a fully democratic vote that got Scotland into the Union. Some of those whose descision it was were blackmailed into supporting the union under threat that England would disrupt their trade with the emerging Americas. Some were bribed ("bought and sold for English gold, what a parcel o rogues in a nation"). Ireland got independence over 80 years ago and is now one of the most successful economies in the world. I think Scotland can do the same.

The BBC has a "Have your say" forum open on the questions: Should the Act of Union be celebrated or is it past its sell by date? Is it now time for the country to debate the future of the Union? Are there enough days of celebration for Scotland and does the country make enough of St Andrew's Day, which falls on 30 November?

This is also discussed by a Long Aye-lander in Glasgow. She said:

Not surprisingly, most of the people who posted on the forum said no. There was
an overwhelming call for an independent Scotland and a belief that the country
is entirely capable of being self-sufficient.

Other blogs discussing this:
* http://airiddh1.livejournal.com/248545.html

Some choice comments from the BBC forum:

Adam Mackie from Kirkcaldy, Fife says:

To those saying that Scotland has 'benefited' from the Union I say - how come Ireland since its independence has prospered? Its population is rising, it manages to stand on its own two feet, its rated as one of the best places in the world to live, with one of the highest standards of living in Europe? Hmmm, sounds like independence would be better.

Bill Hughes from Anstruther says:

We should celebrate the Act of Union by declaring independence. We should also demand reparation from Westminster for the theft and pillage of Scottish resources and industry.

John Docherty from Glasgow says:

The Union plays no part in my thinking and should not be celebrated. I believe Scotland has been subjugated and abused, economically and financially by our neighbours. We have been conditioned by them to be afraid of independence. We Scots should get rid of our dependence and apathy, find our courage and make a better future for this nation independently.

John Allen from Banchory says:

Throughout the world free peoples celebrate their independence days. No one celebrates the opposite.

Kenny McLean from Partick

The union ... serves absolutely no purpose in the 21st century and prevents Scotland from taking its place in the world community of nations. A day of mourning rather than celebration would be appropriate.

Oisin Plumb says:

It appears as if the only solid argument any of the unionist posters have put forward is that we have more influence internationally in the Union. Scotland (population 5 million)has 7 MEP's and no seat in the UN, whilst Ireland (population 3.5 million) has 13 MEP's and its own place in the UN in addition to having its own ambassadors around the world. This surely shows that the Union only hinders our international involvement.

Steven from Stirling says:

Scotland has more influence as part of the UK that it would outwith it? Really? Only when Scots happen to agree with our neighbours in England who are the vast majority of the UK population. When Scotland's priorities happen to be different, Scotland is silenced.The Union will not be celebrated as it represents a deep shame to the Scottish psyche. Our forefathers gave up their country. The inevitable pressure to make us celebrate will just be embarrasing.

Craig from Glasgow says:

Scotland has no real international voice at the moment, as we can only speak through London. As an independent nation we will be able to contribute directly to world affairs. Just look at the contribution other similarly sized nations such as Norway make to the world and I think you'll see how much better Scotland can do than we are at the moment.

Stephen McDade from Greenock

From a Scottish perspective,to celebrate the Union is to celebrate being subjugated and humiliated. England effectively annexed Scotland and has spent 300 years bleeding us of our young men and wealth. Someone mentioned the Darien Project and how England 'saved us'. I suggest he revisits the subject.The English crown was one of the major reasons the project failed by refusing to allow the settlers to trade locally. This bankrupted the country and forced us into financial slavery.

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