Scotland gets to choose. That’s an achievement

I lived in Edinburgh for a number of years, and am married to a Scotsman, but I have no idea how the Scots should vote in tomorrow’s referendum.

We in Ireland should not make the mistake of imposing our ideas of nationalism on them. Scots see no contradiction in considering themselves proudly Scottish and proudly British. Many in the older generation will vote no to independence, not because they fear change, but because they do not want to give up their British identity and the ties forged through two world wars. But for many of the younger generation, being part of the UK merely means being ruled by English Conservatives in London, and the Scots don’t tend to vote Tory.

If they vote yes to independence, despite the dire warnings of the political and corporate establishment, they will do so because they want to be masters of their own destiny. Those of us used to the limitations of parliamentary democracy might consider their aspirations to be a little naive, but we can only admire their passion.

Whatever the outcome of Thursday’s historic vote, it will be the right decision for Scotland, because it will be made by the Scottish people themselves. We wish them well. Go n-éirí leo.

Kay Chalmers

Douglas

Cork