Its just Alex Salmond (the Scottish National) leader waving his willy.

But will the average Jock-in-the-street realise that ?

As another Colonial of Scottish decent (albeit a couple of centuries removed).... I might just point out that the British (a term that includes the Scots) did not build Hadrian's Wall - Hadrian was a Roman, so maybe we should blame the Italians....

As for "gentlest of rulers " one might consider that Scots have been in charge (Prime Minister) of Britain a number of times ..... 1763 was apparently the first - and (Google is your friend) there have been four since 1945 - including the second from current (Gordon Brown).... and Tony Blair.

I would suggest their claim has about as much validity as a Californian bid for seccession.  Hopefully the process will be a little more dignified than the last time someone tried something like that.

I'm always reminded of the old saying.."Be careful what you wish for.."

But then its none of my business...

Cheers, Ian

Britain has not been the gentlest of rulers over the centuries and did nothing to endear themselves to the good people of Scotland. Lots of invasions, executions etc and they even built Hadrian's Wall to keep the Scots out but it's been a few decades since I visited our clan castle near Aberdeen. Our clan was a big supporter of Bonnie Prince Charlie who ran into a bit of bother when he tried to reclaim his Scottish throne. A reputed English quote was that "oats are eaten by people in Scotland but fed to the horses in England".

 I guess it comes down to the Scots deciding if there is any benifit to them remaining part of Great Britain...the National health is one benifit I hear mentioned by Scottish friends. It will come down to a combination of self interest, emotion or cool evaluation of how their lives will be as part, or apart.  

BTW, as a "Bloody Colonial" we refer to the English as "Bloody Pomms", not Limies.

Any of our Brit friends here (Alex etc) care to explain the Scotland referendum and your opinions thereof?  Non-limey's too...