Scotland's dilemma: surety or autonomy

Wanganui-based Scotsman Robin MacLachlan believes it would be a big risk for Scotland to leave the United Kingdom.PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

Wanganui's Scottish population is watching with interest as their homeland makes a decision about whether to break away from the United Kingdom.

The Wanganui Chronicle recently spoke to two Scotsmen who have lived in New Zealand for many years, about Scotland's move towards independence.

Scottish voters go to the polls on Thursday to decide whether to become independent or not. Recent opinion polls have shown the population split almost evenly, with the results too close to call.

Robin MacLachlan, from Dumfries, in New Zealand since 1958, said he believed independence was a big risk.

"I wouldn't think it would be a good thing for Scotland." Dr MacLachlan said the pro-independence movement pointed to oil reserves in the North Sea as the basis of Scottish economic independence.

"But the oil reserves are expected to run out in 2050 and then what does Scotland have, other than whisky?"

The traditional wealth of Scotland came from industry such as ship-building and manufacturing, but much of that has moved to Asia.

Dr MacLachlan said the uncertainty around Scottish independence had already caused economic instability.

"There has already been a flight of capital from Scotland," he said.

"Scotland has their own Parliament, and they have the means to influence what happens in London. It's about compromise."

Whichever way the vote goes, Dr MacLachlan said he hopes there's a definite decision one way or another.

Neil Boyd, from Langholm near the English border, who has been in New Zealand for 30 years, said he was "on the fence" about Scottish independence.

"I would like to see it happen, but I think it would take a long time before we saw any benefits from it."

Mr Boyd said he understood a lot of Scottish people were in favour of independence, but didn't understand the economic implications of breaking away from the United Kingdom.

"We've got to get away from the romantic ideal about Scottish independence. Culloden is over - it's history," Mr Boyd said, referring to the Battle of Culloden in 1745, an event which started the breaking of the Scottish clans and suppression of the Gaelic language and culture.

Mr Boyd said he believed Scotland would find trade difficult, as it would not have the protection of the United Kingdom and would not be able to join the European Union for several years.