I wish he had been running the Better Together campaign.
I don't think I can convey how devastated I will be if there is a winning YES vote.
It makes me feel physically sick to even think about it.
does me too Yogi and I'm English
Me too and I'm German.
Well the out of towners may well not have bothered from here. Milliband going on about his da' and DC addressing Scottish Widows 
I think it was a no win situation for the Westminster three. Had they not gone to Scotland there would have been negative criticism for that too.
Unfortunately that is the state of British politics, they all seem to be too quick to try and score points whoever they are.
Very true. It's been conveniently forgotten recently that when Cameron refused to get involved in the campaign, Salmond accused him of being "feart". Now that he's doing what Salmond wanted, he's "panicking".
Mind you, he seems to be emotional enough to use the expression 'effing tories'.
I wish he had been running the Better Together campaign.
I don't think I can convey how devastated I will be if there is a winning YES vote.
It makes me feel physically sick to even think about it.
does me too Yogi and I'm English
Me too and I'm German.
Re. Germany (and completely off topic)
Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Social Democratic UnionistsâĶ I find German politics very confusing!
Well the out of towners may well not have bothered from here. Milliband going on about his da' and DC addressing Scottish Widows
I think it was a no win situation for the Westminster three. Had they not gone to Scotland there would have been negative criticism for that too.
Unfortunately that is the state of British politics, they all seem to be too quick to try and score points whoever they are.
Very true. It's been conveniently forgotten recently that when Cameron refused to get involved in the campaign, Salmond accused him of being "feart". Now that he's doing what Salmond wanted, he's "panicking".
Mind you, he seems to be emotional enough to use the expression 'effing tories'.
Oh, flipping eck! I haven't seen that Col
quite an interesting read here by Alasdair Henderson a Scottish Barrister working and living in London
I've been reading the news about the Scottish independence referendum with mounting distress. For the first time since this whole process started it looks like the UK may cease to exist in just 10 days time. Since I live in London I, along with some 800,000 or so other Scots in the rest of the UK, am unable to vote in what is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions in the past 300 years of our country's history. The Better Together campaign has, to be honest, been too negative. We Scots are proud people and so it doesn't surprise me that being told independence wouldn't work simply makes many people want to vote yes, just to show them! But I think there are many positive reasons why we should stay in the UK, and so here is my best effort to persuade those of you who can vote to say, no thanks on 18th:
In 1707 England was a second-rate country on the fringe of Europe, slowly recovering from nearly two centuries of religious turmoil, civil war and plague. Scotland was in a worse state, economically stagnant and bankrupt after a failed attempt to found a colony in what is now Panama. In a sordid deal involving bullying and bribery the English Government persuaded the Scottish Parliament to vote itself out of existence and unite Scotland with England to form a new nation.
Yet despite that ignominious start, the union forged in 1707 has produced one of the most successful, extraordinary countries the world has ever seen. Great Britain has undoubtedly been great not only in name but also in nature over these past 300 years.
The Scottish Enlightenment produced many of the ideas that would most profoundly shape our world, and together with England, we spread them everywhere. The rule of law, liberal political philosophy, modern economics, science and medicine.
We stopped Napoleon, together.
We ended the slave trade, together.
Slowly and surely, in fits and starts, we founded the first ever liberal democracy, together.
We created the largest Empire the world has ever seen, together.
We spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to every continent, together.
We started the Industrial Revolution, together.
We fought the First World War, together.
When the rest of Europe fell, we stood firm against the Nazis, together.
But the past 300 years we have shared in not just the glories but also the tragedies.
We made all the mistakes of empire, together.
We suffered the huge social costs of industrialisation, the overcrowded towns, pollution and breakneck change, together.
We have recently endured the miseries of financial crisis, together.
We have lived and loved together for 300 years, fought and died together many times. Sometimes we have fought for survival, sometimes for gain, but supremely, and repeatedly in the past century, we have fought for freedom â our own and that of others.
And I do not think this was coincidence. There is something special about this United Kingdom, about this nation of ours which is actually four nations in one. Four proud countries. Four very different countries. Four countries which do an excellent job of knocking the rough corners off each othersâ national cultures. Four countries which through healthy and friendly competition keep each other sharp. And yet four countries who, like a family, are tied together deeply and who stick together despite our disagreements and our arguments.
From South Sudan to Iraq, Ukraine to Syria, we live in a world wracked by war and conflict because different peoples disagree with each other about what they believe, which identity they claim, which flag they wish to fly and what kind of society they wish to live in.
So there is something wonderful, something so very refreshing, about a family of very different nations that have nevertheless bound themselves together so successfully as we have.
We have shared much that is good with the rest of the world throughout our 300 year partnership. Letâs find out what more we can share over the next 300 years.
We have been good apart in the past, and I'm sure we could be again in the future. But we're better together. We're great together. We're extraordinary together.
By all means vote no on 18th September because Alex Salmond hasnât given any proper answers to the big practical questions of currency, EU membership or defence. And he hasnât.
By all means vote no because you think economically Scotland benefits from being part of the union. Because we do, massively.
But donât vote no just because youâre worried Scotland would be worse off on our own.
Donât vote no just because there are lots of problems with the Yes campaignâs proposals.
Vote no because you want to say yes to remaining part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, one of the most successful and remarkable countries human history has ever seen.
I wish he had been running the Better Together campaign.
I don't think I can convey how devastated I will be if there is a winning YES vote.
It makes me feel physically sick to even think about it.
ditto
Kaffs, hang in there, as I said previously......it's not over till it's over 
Polls mean nowt! It's hard votes that count
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
quite an interesting read here by Alasdair Henderson a Scottish Barrister working and living in London
I've been reading the news about the Scottish independence referendum with mounting distress. For the first time since this whole process started it looks like the UK may cease to exist in just 10 days time. Since I live in London I, along with some 800,000 or so other Scots in the rest of the UK, am unable to vote in what is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions in the past 300 years of our country's history. The Better Together campaign has, to be honest, been too negative. We Scots are proud people and so it doesn't surprise me that being told independence wouldn't work simply makes many people want to vote yes, just to show them! But I think there are many positive reasons why we should stay in the UK, and so here is my best effort to persuade those of you who can vote to say, no thanks on 18th:
In 1707 England was a second-rate country on the fringe of Europe, slowly recovering from nearly two centuries of religious turmoil, civil war and plague. Scotland was in a worse state, economically stagnant and bankrupt after a failed attempt to found a colony in what is now Panama. In a sordid deal involving bullying and bribery the English Government persuaded the Scottish Parliament to vote itself out of existence and unite Scotland with England to form a new nation.
Yet despite that ignominious start, the union forged in 1707 has produced one of the most successful, extraordinary countries the world has ever seen. Great Britain has undoubtedly been great not only in name but also in nature over these past 300 years.
The Scottish Enlightenment produced many of the ideas that would most profoundly shape our world, and together with England, we spread them everywhere. The rule of law, liberal political philosophy, modern economics, science and medicine.
We stopped Napoleon, together.
We ended the slave trade, together.
Slowly and surely, in fits and starts, we founded the first ever liberal democracy, together.
We created the largest Empire the world has ever seen, together.
We spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to every continent, together.
We started the Industrial Revolution, together.
We fought the First World War, together.
When the rest of Europe fell, we stood firm against the Nazis, together.
But the past 300 years we have shared in not just the glories but also the tragedies.
We made all the mistakes of empire, together.
We suffered the huge social costs of industrialisation, the overcrowded towns, pollution and breakneck change, together.
We have recently endured the miseries of financial crisis, together.
We have lived and loved together for 300 years, fought and died together many times. Sometimes we have fought for survival, sometimes for gain, but supremely, and repeatedly in the past century, we have fought for freedom â our own and that of others.
And I do not think this was coincidence. There is something special about this United Kingdom, about this nation of ours which is actually four nations in one. Four proud countries. Four very different countries. Four countries which do an excellent job of knocking the rough corners off each othersâ national cultures. Four countries which through healthy and friendly competition keep each other sharp. And yet four countries who, like a family, are tied together deeply and who stick together despite our disagreements and our arguments.
From South Sudan to Iraq, Ukraine to Syria, we live in a world wracked by war and conflict because different peoples disagree with each other about what they believe, which identity they claim, which flag they wish to fly and what kind of society they wish to live in.
So there is something wonderful, something so very refreshing, about a family of very different nations that have nevertheless bound themselves together so successfully as we have.
We have shared much that is good with the rest of the world throughout our 300 year partnership. Letâs find out what more we can share over the next 300 years.
We have been good apart in the past, and I'm sure we could be again in the future. But we're better together. We're great together. We're extraordinary together.
By all means vote no on 18th September because Alex Salmond hasnât given any proper answers to the big practical questions of currency, EU membership or defence. And he hasnât.
By all means vote no because you think economically Scotland benefits from being part of the union. Because we do, massively.
But donât vote no just because youâre worried Scotland would be worse off on our own.
Donât vote no just because there are lots of problems with the Yes campaignâs proposals.
Vote no because you want to say yes to remaining part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, one of the most successful and remarkable countries human history has ever seen.
I wish he had been running the Better Together campaign.
I don't think I can convey how devastated I will be if there is a winning YES vote.
It makes me feel physically sick to even think about it.
ditto
We can only vote NO and hope for for the best.
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
Because they're more likely to vote No?
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
Because they're more likely to vote No?
I think it's more to do with having to be resident in Scotland. My English hubby has a vote, because he lives up here.
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
I assume it is because your voting card is issued according to the address given by you for the electoral register!
I recently moved and changed Councils and they were more concerned that I had updated my electoral register info online than they were sorting out my old and new addressed Council Tax bills !!
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
I think it's more to do with having to be resident in Scotland. My English hubby has a vote, because he lives up here.
what Yogi said 
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
Because they're more likely to vote No?
I think it's more to do with having to be resident in Scotland. My English hubby has a vote, because he lives up here.
I am not seeing residential qualification to be all that matters, I am amazed that more Scottish people haven't insisted on a vote if they live outside Scotland.
Such things happen in every general election.
In fact I think the whole of the UK should have a vote too, it's their country that is being altered forever.
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
Because they're more likely to vote No?
I think it's more to do with having to be resident in Scotland. My English hubby has a vote, because he lives up here.
I am not seeing residential qualification to be all that matters, I am amazed that more Scottish people haven't insisted on a vote if they live outside Scotland.
Such things happen in every general election.
In fact I think the whole of the UK should have a vote too, it's their country that is being altered forever.
I don't disagree with you.
I remember you saying you can't see 'likes' on your phone, but I like your post.
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
Because they're more likely to vote No?
I think it's more to do with having to be resident in Scotland. My English hubby has a vote, because he lives up here.
I am not seeing residential qualification to be all that matters, I am amazed that more Scottish people haven't insisted on a vote if they live outside Scotland.
Such things happen in every general election.
In fact I think the whole of the UK should have a vote too, it's their country that is being altered forever.
I don't disagree with you.
they should. I'm not so sure about Sean Connery and Alan Cumming getting in on the 'yes' act though.. like to know how much time they spend here...
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
Because they're more likely to vote No?
I think it's more to do with having to be resident in Scotland. My English hubby has a vote, because he lives up here.
I am not seeing residential qualification to be all that matters, I am amazed that more Scottish people haven't insisted on a vote if they live outside Scotland.
Such things happen in every general election.
In fact I think the whole of the UK should have a vote too, it's their country that is being altered forever.
I don't disagree with you.
they should. I'm not so sure about Sean Connery and Alan Cumming getting in on the 'yes' act though.. like to know how much time they spend here...
Agreed
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
Because they're more likely to vote No?
I think it's more to do with having to be resident in Scotland. My English hubby has a vote, because he lives up here.
I realise that Yogi, I was being cynical!
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
Because they're more likely to vote No?
I think it's more to do with having to be resident in Scotland. My English hubby has a vote, because he lives up here.
I am not seeing residential qualification to be all that matters, I am amazed that more Scottish people haven't insisted on a vote if they live outside Scotland.
Such things happen in every general election.
In fact I think the whole of the UK should have a vote too, it's their country that is being altered forever.
I agree JB
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
Because they're more likely to vote No?
I think it's more to do with having to be resident in Scotland. My English hubby has a vote, because he lives up here.
I am not seeing residential qualification to be all that matters, I am amazed that more Scottish people haven't insisted on a vote if they live outside Scotland.
Such things happen in every general election.
In fact I think the whole of the UK should have a vote too, it's their country that is being altered forever.
I agree JB
My head agrees, but the amount of times I've heard 'let them bugger off and don't let them in when they come crawling back begging' makes me glad they don't 
I just find the whole thing unbearably sad really. Regardless of the outcome, Salmond and his lackies have broken the country imo. I feel like I've had my 'Scottishness' stolen from me - the Saltire is spoiled forever because it's been used as an emblem for anti English nationalism.
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
Because they're more likely to vote No?
I think it's more to do with having to be resident in Scotland. My English hubby has a vote, because he lives up here.
I am not seeing residential qualification to be all that matters, I am amazed that more Scottish people haven't insisted on a vote if they live outside Scotland.
Such things happen in every general election.
In fact I think the whole of the UK should have a vote too, it's their country that is being altered forever.
I agree JB
My head agrees, but the amount of times I've heard 'let them bugger off and don't let them in when they come crawling back begging' makes me glad they don't
I think it's the other side of the same coin, you guys have the vocal ones that don't like England or the English and we have the ones that tell anyone else to bugger off.
Neither of these 2 groups really know what is at stake and I don't think either of them represent the majority on either side.None of us really know what we need to know because Mr Salmond hasn't as yet had the discussions he needs to have on significant issues, it seems to me , very much, let's get the yes vote done and then sort it all out....
Pissups and breweries spring to mind.
I'm not sure I understand why Scottish people who live in England, cannot vote?
Because they're more likely to vote No?
I think it's more to do with having to be resident in Scotland. My English hubby has a vote, because he lives up here.
I am not seeing residential qualification to be all that matters, I am amazed that more Scottish people haven't insisted on a vote if they live outside Scotland.
Such things happen in every general election.
In fact I think the whole of the UK should have a vote too, it's their country that is being altered forever.
I agree JB
My head agrees, but the amount of times I've heard 'let them bugger off and don't let them in when they come crawling back begging' makes me glad they don't
I think it's the other side of the same coin, you guys have the vocal ones that don't like England or the English and we have the ones that tell anyone else to bugger off.
Neither of these 2 groups really know what is at stake and I don't think either of them represent the majority on either side.None of us really know what we need to know because Mr Salmond hasn't as yet had the discussions he needs to have on significant issues, it seems to me , very much, let's get the yes vote done and then sort it all out....
Pissups and breweries spring to mind.
I know, J.. I just hate to hear it (both arguments) You just need to read here to know that not everyone thinks the same, but the fact it's being voiced at all is what makes me sad. Like I say, the union's broken, whether permanently or not, no matter what the outcome next week. I hate that we've been brought to this.
If Scotland gains its independence in the forthcoming referendum, the remainder of the United Kingdom will be known as the
"Former United Kingdom"
......or FUK.
In a bid to discourage the Scots from voting 'yes' in the referendum, the Government has now begun to campaign with the slogan "Vote NO, for FUK's sake"
They feel the Scottish voters will be able to relate to this.
I just find the whole thing unbearably sad really. Regardless of the outcome, Salmond and his lackies have broken the country imo. I feel like I've had my 'Scottishness' stolen from me - the Saltire is spoiled forever because it's been used as an emblem for anti English nationalism.
He's a selfish barsteward. I've yet to hear any concrete answers to any question about the economy and instead he calls the NO campaign negative. WTH.
If Scotland gains its independence in the forthcoming referendum, the remainder of the United Kingdom will be known as the
"Former United Kingdom"
......or FUK.
In a bid to discourage the Scots from voting 'yes' in the referendum, the Government has now begun to campaign with the slogan "Vote NO, for FUK's sake"
They feel the Scottish voters will be able to relate to this.
I just find the whole thing unbearably sad really. Regardless of the outcome, Salmond and his lackies have broken the country imo. I feel like I've had my 'Scottishness' stolen from me - the Saltire is spoiled forever because it's been used as an emblem for anti English nationalism.
He's a selfish barsteward. I've yet to hear any concrete answers to any question about the economy and instead he calls the NO campaign negative. WTH.
Spot on, Col.
I just find the whole thing unbearably sad really. Regardless of the outcome, Salmond and his lackies have broken the country imo. I feel like I've had my 'Scottishness' stolen from me - the Saltire is spoiled forever because it's been used as an emblem for anti English nationalism.
I feel the same, Kaffs.
I'm voting no I cannot stand Alex Salmond nor the SNP.
A yes outcome does not mean Salmond and SNP for evermore!
But what does it mean, exactly?
My dad and my step-mum are both very much "no" but say wherever they go in and around Inverness now they are confronted with "yes".
I'm guessing, that the voters, will still have elections to vote their leader like the country does for government, therefore Salmond may not always be leader
Exactly so sprout. This referendum is not asking us to vote on Salmond or the SNP, but on the future of Scotland: Do we continue to be ruled by Westminster with a bit of fiddling round the edges by a Scottish parliament (and it WILL still just be fiddling round the edges despite what is being mooted about 'extra powers'), or do we grasp the bull by the horns and take 100% control of ourselves?
That really is what it's about, the rest of it is just flummery and WILL sort itself out - not trying to pretend that there won't be hiccups along the way, but when it comes down to it it is not really a great deal different from any other change of government.
I haven't read the whole thread on this, but if it's been asked before, I apologise.
But I was wondering, if it is a YES, will those who are staunchly against it head south, or will they grin and wait to see what happens in time. On the flip side if it is NO, will those who are staunchly for it protest?
I'm guessing, that the voters, will still have elections to vote their leader like the country does for government, therefore Salmond may not always be leader
Exactly so sprout. This referendum is not asking us to vote on Salmond or the SNP, but on the future of Scotland: Do we continue to be ruled by Westminster with a bit of fiddling round the edges by a Scottish parliament (and it WILL still just be fiddling round the edges despite what is being mooted about 'extra powers'), or do we grasp the bull by the horns and take 100% control of ourselves?
That really is what it's about, the rest of it is just flummery and WILL sort itself out - not trying to pretend that there won't be hiccups along the way, but when it comes down to it it is not really a great deal different from any other change of government.
good luck with that...that's about as useful as Salmond's answers and is really going to instill confidence in the no voters. When some industry goes and taxes might go up and to find another 10 billion to fund the currency..flummery you call it, I call it a massive worry for those who want to stay 
The future of Scotland is no meaningful allies, financial sector deserting, loads of promises on trust, Venezualan oil wealth ?, currency crash, property crash, Spain saying no and Greggs sausage rolls costin a quid English.Two Salmonds Scottish before it's three.
As ever, you have nailed it.
I hope you've got a spare bedroom damsel
I'll build one
The future of Scotland is no meaningful allies, financial sector deserting, loads of promises on trust, Venezualan oil wealth ?, currency crash, property crash, Spain saying no and Greggs sausage rolls costin a quid English.Two Salmonds Scottish before it's three.
J K Rowlings next book..
I have nothing useful to contribute...