As referendum-day is coming up it is becoming increasingly evident that independence has nothing to do with hatred and nationalism, because it is about identity, self-determination and self-governance. Although the Scottish referendum will obviously have an impact on Scotland’s future, the rest of UK’s economy and that of the Euro-zone, its aims and intentions go well beyond purely economic matters. Indeed, as most economists agree, Scotland should not fear the consequences of a YES vote; it is a rich country and it is very unlikely that it will fall behind in the wake of independence. Even though independence may have a negative impact on those financial services which are currently in Scotland and which are likely to move to London if YES wins and although independence may affect the budgets of some research institutions and change the location of those military bases that are currently within Scottish borders, Scotland would have the opportunity to rely on oil in order to finance public spending and pay, to a certain extent, for its deficit. It would also be able to rely on tourism, food and drinks exported abroad; it would keep on attracting students from all over the world thanks to its prestigious universities and would remain one of UK’s manufacturing hotbeds, without obviously threatening all of its financial services industry. Furthermore, most importantly, independence would allow Scottish people to take back their natural resources and democratic rights, to gain control over Scotland’s future and head towards a perhaps fairer and surely more equal society, to take responsibilities and learn the art of self-governance, to empower local businesses by giving them greater access to government’s decisions, to defend a certain type of education and preserve the National Health Service and to have a say on nuclear weapons and military-intervention. Although Scotland would surely face some struggles (there is no doubt it will face some difficulties if it decides to become independent,) Scottish people should not fear a YES victory, which would bring about some difficult tackles to be faced, as well as some long-term advantages.
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