Bonnie Scotland

Tonight I am going to attend a Burns Supper. Now this is not my normal milieu, I like a glass of whisky like the next man, however haggis is not a gourmet treat, and listening to some poetry in a dialect that I cannot understand accompanied by the banshee like shrill of the bagpipes is not pleasurable. However the dinner is with friends so I am expecting good fellowship and discussions. This together with the published proposals concerning Scottish devolution that are published today led me to consider what I thought about Scotland and how it impacts me.

Firstly I rarely visit Scotland despite the border being less than 150 miles away from our home. The last time we crossed into Scotland was around three years ago when we took advantage of cheap train tickets to spend a couple of days in Edinburgh. It was a good couple of days, an excellent Italian restaurant and interesting sightseeing. I suppose the main reason that we do not visit Scotland more regularly is that we are prejudiced about the weather. Our perception that is maybe incorrect is that it is cold and wet. In the summer we would prefer to head for warmer climes where there is a greater guarantee of sun. We also have a perception that it is a somewhat dour place. Part of this comes from I think the architecture; the dark granite stone imparts a slightly gothic impression.

There is of course an upside, I like drinking malt whisky in moderation, there are some excellent Scots beers, and I enjoy the frission present at rugby games between England and Scotland.

What I really do not enjoy is the faux nationalism that is present in both England and Scotland but particularly in the latter. It is great to respect and celebrate your heritage, but it is just that. Both countries are now more modern regions of the European community. They should be seeking to maximise their synergies not emphasising their differences. One man’s caber tossing is another man’s cheese rolling!!!

Where I think that Scotland has a case is for devolution, and the problem is that the English Regions have not recognised that it is an issue for their own governance. If there is a case to devolve policy making to Scotland surely there is an equal case to devolve power to the North East or to Yorkshire. These regions have as rich a heritage, and have issues that are distinct from those in London.

So I have not answered my own question, but I will enjoy the whisky and company, I will eat the haggis and think of other things during the poetry.