State

of the

Union

 

We asked an SR panel two questions:
(a) Do you think the break-up of the UK is now likely?
(b) Would you welcome it?

 

Anne Bonnar
Advisor and consultant in the arts and culture
Not a break-up but a rebalancing which gives more powers to Scotland appropriate to its coming of age as a small nation. (Scotland's creative and cultural sector has flourished since devolution and fears allayed that an SNP government would be parochial. On the contrary.) It seems that the more clearly Scotland identifies itself as a creative nation, the better the conditions for the creation and development of the arts, culture and creative industries both at home and internationally. Culture is already devolved but some of the powers retained currently by Westminster constrain the development of Scotland's arts, culture and creative industries, specifically, fiscal interventions and tax breaks for artists, the videogames industry and the Scotland digital television channel. A rebalancing and mature partnership should find a way to remove these constraints.

 

Bill Boyd
Learning consultant
The break-up of the United Kingdom is inevitable. Whether it will happen sooner as a result of this historic election victory is another question. The recent policy of playing down the independence issue and focusing on the benefits an SNP government has brought to Scotland paid off handsomely, but paradoxically it may weaken the case for independence rather than strengthening it. Of course independence is to be welcomed. The opposite of independence is 'dependence' and what kind of relationship is that to have with anyone, let alone your nearest neighbours. On education, health and the law, key areas of public life, the Scottish consensus is consistently for liberal, left-of-centre policies, yet our quality of life is still determined to a great extent by a right-wing government in Westminster.

Alistair R Brownlie
Retired solicitor
Following the SNP's election success the question is whether their whispered intent to bring about true independence is now more likely to lead to the break-up of the United Kingdom. The SNP's present support probably owes more to their relatively successful period in minority government than to their former loudly trumpeted aim to split Scotland off from the UK to form a free standing national state. Too many vital links with England would have to be severed; too much of history to be repudiated; too many sources of strength emasculated. More than anything Scotland now needs a period of re-growth, not necropsy. I am for accentuating the positive regeneration of a virile partner rather than the negative of elective radical surgery.

Most Rev Bruce Cameron
Former primus, Scottish Episcopal Church
Do you think the break-up of the UK is now likely? To be honest, I don't know. The resounding support for Alex Salmond and his team was fully deserved – their campaign was the most professional and competent. Yet I am not convinced that in the inevitable referendum Scotland will vote for total separation. Would you welcome it? I welcome a referendum and would be happy to see Holyrood have greater devolved powers – eg financial; but I am not in favour of Scotland 'going it alone'. Devolution has been good for Scotland, but our relationship with the rest of the UK avoids us becoming too insular.

Dr John Cameron
Church of Scotland minister
As a Franco-Scot married to an Anglo-Swede, I lack the xenophobia necessary to believe Scottish independence would not prove an all-round catastrophe. An increasing number of people in England, especially in the south-east, would welcome our departure, but I do not think the Scots are mad enough to vote for it. Scotland is still prone to Darien-style ventures so if cut adrift some lunatic scheme like 'renewables' would turn it into the chilly version of a Club-Med banana republic.

Chik Collins
University lecturer
Labour was right that the electorate are not in favour of independence. The SNP was successful in separating the issue from voting for the party. Can the SNP use its second term to build a belief in the desirability of an independent Scotland, in something like the way that it used its first term to build confidence in its competence as a party of government? I tend to doubt it. The break-up of the UK is now more likely than hitherto, but still – even with the earthquake we are witnessing – not the most likely outcome. Like the majority, I would take a lot of convincing.

Catherine Czerkawska
Playwright and author
I was born in England, and I'm equivocal about the possible break-up of the UK although I voted SNP this time and last. I thought on balance they did a good job. I still don't think independence is inevitable but more likely than it was. There seems  to be a widening gap between the two countries, confirmed by these results, so that I find my conversations with English friends increasingly disjointed, politically and personally. There's a lack of understanding about how Scotland functions that amounts to an almost wilful ignorance. It's faintly scary and rather sad. I sometimes think that full independence might,  paradoxically, help to bridge that divide.

Brian Denoon
Writer
In the event of an SNP victory, I do not believe there will be imminent 'break-up' of the United Kingdom. The term 'break-up' is not one I condone.  Independence should be seen as a natural progression from growing confidence as a nation over the latter part of the 20th century and the beginning of this one. It will come when it will and when circumstances are propitious. The financial world crisis will have the natural effect of bringing a more cautious approach. I would welcome Scottish independence, but am resigned to the fact that it won't happen in my lifetime.

Foster Evans
Director, EVH, an employers' association in the voluntary
housing movement
Over 10 years ago my old pal, Bill Speirs said that 'we are all civic nationalists now'. So there is an inevitable slip, slide to more independence. Scots are comfortable with the existing powers of our parliament but want to do more with real economic powers too. Bull-headed opposition to such change will make break-up more likely and inevitable. But we should also be looking at our own backyard. Where is the energy and enthusiasm for community empowerment to release the potential in our communities to meet our challenges in climate change, diminishing public monies and long-term poverty and poor health? That is the biggest challenge and opportunity for the next 10 years.

Howie Firth
Broadcaster; founder, Orkney Science Festival
It's an extraordinary result which I believe is at its core not about independence per se but something deeper – a desire for a spring wind to blow through the stagnation of Scotland and the culture of dependency and subsidies. The SNP have been making things work, looking at the nuts and bolts of agriculture, fishing, renewables; and their election policies propose practical and intelligent action for regeneration. So the rest of us are starting to think there is hope to rebuild. Politically it could lead to a new and better working relationship between Scotland and the UK, to everyone's benefit.

Brian Fitzpatrick
Advocate
As a Glaswegian male, I know that when gubbed in a fight the first thing is keep your head and get to your feet fast before your opponent decides otherwise. The nats' win is a disastrous result – not just for my party but my country. Scots have given Mr Salmond and his (despite the verdict of the chatteratti cheerleaders) pretty mediocre crew four more years. My party fought a poor campaign, was short on funds, still more distinctive policies and until far too late never properly advanced the argument about the costs of breaking Britain apart. A recipe for a big election loss and michty me, how well it worked. Iain Gray is widely acknowledged to be a nice man – but Scots showed that, for the present, they don't mind a politician being a smarmy bruiser. Scottish Labour has yet to find a voice that is progressive, inclusive, social democratic, patriotic but not nationalist and speaks up for what matters for working families. For the next wee while, as Labour works at that voice and vision, Mr Salmond's lot can claim to be Scotland's party. But there is a case to be made for the Union – the fact the independence party wanted to discuss anything but independence demostrated their vulnerability. A strong and compelling case waits to be argued and it needs made well, fast and repeatedly. Raise that scarlet tartan banner high, Labour comrades and colleagues – we are down but there's no time to rest: Scotland in Britain is by no means out!

Rose Galt
Past president of the EIS
 a) I believe that many people who voted SNP yesterday did so for negative rather than positive reasons: as a protest at the perceived shortcomings of the Westminster government or just through a sense of general disgruntlement. I would welcome a referendum because I am convinced it would prove that only around 30% of the Scottish people genuinely want independence. 
(b) From the above it's pretty  clear that I would be unhappy with independence. If ever there was a time in the history of mankind when we should be coming closer together it is surely now, when the millennium euphoria has almost entirely dissipated. 

Frank Gilfeather
Journalist and broadcaster
Labour has been forced to recognise that the SNP is the true voice of the left in Scotland. The nationalists have now entered a new and more meaningful phase in their quest for their Holy Grail and it all points to independence. Maybe it is time. Perhaps the most significant aspect of those seats lost to Labour was the swing to the nationalists, underlining that there is more in their tank. The electorate no longer fears a split, though there is still the nagging question: how well would  the SNP  function without Alex Salmond?
By the time we find out, independence might be achieved.

Joyce Gunn Cairns
Artist
I think people will lose their nerve when faced with the choice of a complete break. I might well be mistaken. I am ambivalent about a complete break. On the one hand it grieves me that we Scots are morbidly parochial and lacking in self regard and in the ability to maximise the characteristics that are peculiary ours; on the other hand I am  nervous of the implications of a complete break.   Since 1745 we have enjoyed, unlike our neighbours in Europe, the relative safety of one boundary. Human nature is innately racist and territorial, and my great fear is that racism and territorialism will rear its ugly head still further. 

David Harvie
Writer
With a landslide SNP majority, without any (preferable) moderating support, a referendum seems inevitable. It is unreasonable to disagree with the concept that the people should decide, even if the result remains an open question. The SNP made some success of governing as a minority; many think it worth discovering how they would govern with a majority.  I regard the 'break-up' question as too melodramatic; with self-confidence, a wider application of self-determination could give all partners in the UK a share in change – it would also assist in resolving 'the English question'. In the end, the people must decide.

Ken Hay
Former chief executive, Scottish Screen
The break-up of the UK is now much more likely, not because we are all rampant nationalists, but because we are all rampant democrats. Scotland craves greater control over its own destiny: the Scottish Parliament and the current Scotland Bill are all steps along the road, but a road heading in a clear direction. The SNP has demonstrated that by being a Scottish party, putting Scotland first, is a simple election winning strategy and a good way to govern: the others are too busy apologising for, or answering to, their London masters. I welcome our democratic struggle for self-determination.

Andrew Hook
Academic
A vote for the SNP in the Scottish parliament is not necessarily a vote for independence. The date for an independence referendum will be long postponed because Alex Salmond knows this. Would I welcome the break-up of the UK? No, I wouldn't. Last night I tuned in to BBC 1 (Scotland) 'Scottish Election 2011'. When I tuned out at 1.30, I had heard not a single mention of the AV referendum, nor of the voting in the English local council elections, nor of the voting for the Welsh Assembly. Parish pump politics indeed. I fear the emergence of a small-minded, inward-looking, Scotland.

Walter Humes
Academic
The SNP victory will not automatically lead to full independence. Most Scots are well aware of the benefits of having a nationalist government in Edinburgh as a bargaining tool in dealing with London, but that does not mean that they want to see the break-up of Britain. Much will depend on how the new Scottish government conducts itself, and on how the other parties re-group. I take a pragmatic rather than an ideological position on this issue. An independent Scotland has strong cultural and historical appeal, but that is not sufficient to win the argument. What matters is the competence of those who govern, the integrity of major institutions, and the likely economic consequences. I remain to be convinced that the current political establishment of Scotland could meet the many challenges that full independence would bring.

Norman Irons
Former Lord Provost of Edinburgh
I believe that this result will lead more quickly to the break up of the UK, but it will still be a slow process. That may not be a bad thing. First however, I believe today's results will lead to break ups within the unionist parties. They will each have to break their links with London if they are to progress. The SNP is not going to wither away as they had hoped. I would welcome Scotland having the same relationship with England, Wales and Ireland as Denmark has with its Nordic and Scandinavian neighbours.

Bill Jamieson
Executive editor, Scotsman
Greater devolution, certainly. I see more powers,  particularly over business tax than envisaged in the current Scotland Bill as much more likely now. The SNP has got real power to call the shots on key amendments to this bill in the Scottish parliament. And would Westminster dare take on Alex Salmond, validated as he now is by an overall majority in Scotland? But 'break-up of the UK'? I don't see an 'all-the-way' break unless we do the sensible thing and pull out of the EU. I am a small government nationalist of the right and continue to dream on. However, Scotland will be an increasingly different and distinctive place – a journey we have been on for decades. But a deeply problematic economic outlook for the foreseeable future will cause  Scots to be cautious in an independence referendum. Would I welcome it? Being married to a Cornish girl militant in her distinctiveness from England, there is little room for argument in our household. This separateness provides the greater pull of identity and sense of belonging. The 'UK story' is threadbare and the new definitions of multi-cultural 'Britishness' mean that such an artifice holds little pull now. I'd rather have the authentic English as neighbours than a confection of artificial 'Brits'. 

Jackie Kemp
Journalist
I would not say a break-up was likely. It is possible. It is certainly not imminent. I feel that Scots want to be independent with a small 'i' and that is why so many have voted for the SNP. The path that Scotland is taking as a result is likely to lead to increasing divergence between Sotland and England on many issues. It may be that quite a high degree of difference is possible within a federal union. Time will tell. I welcome the increased sense of independence that devolution is bringing. The English government has never devoted much time or thought to the Sottish interest. We have to hope that bringing our own energies to bear on our problems will bring progress.
If that road does lead eventually to full independence then I would only welcome it if it were achieved in a spirit of goodwill and co-operation with our neighbours. I think I would prefer to see a Scotland invigorated and energised with more clout at home and abroad but remaining in the union.

Ewan Kennedy
Retired solictor
(a) Do you think the break-up of the UK is now likely? A little less unlikely. The SNP now have to deliver on big promises with no excuses for failure.
(b) Would you welcome it? Yes. For at least a generation the London parties have all misjudged Scotland and there is no sign of that changing. We have too many layers of government with insufficient good politicians to serve in three parliaments. Westminster is the layer that should go. We should have our own voice in Europe. Most importantly I hope that Scotland would resign from the nuclear club and have the sense not to start wars.

Gordon Lawrie
Delegate, Young Scotland Programme
The SNP's victory today is down to a number of factors.  Most obvious
is the Liberal Democrats' unforgivable betrayal of the Scottish people
by cosying up with the despised Tories. Additionally, Labour's leader
lived up to his surname, woefully uncharismatic against the
tubthumping Alex Salmond. What this victory is not, is an endorsement of independence. The SNP have been competent in government whilst their opponents have been in disarray. This result is a reward for that, no more. The SNP will go for a referendum, it is their raison d'être.  I do not think it will
succeed. And just as well.

Nick Lyth
Director, International Resources and Recycling Institute
Scotland has become too ingrained to change. Scots live with a compromised reality in which our status as a country is asserted, whilst our ability to behave like one is denied. Scotland is not an independent country, it does not have the power or authority of a nation state, it cannot control what happens to the most important levers of government within its borders. Scots men and women know this now. Scots men and women before us have known it; and those before them knew it, too. We have known it for too long to believe that anything else could be the case. A change would be welcome. The Scottish people will be able to believe they are independent only if they are independent. Self-belief is a precious commodity. Its value is greater than money, or balance of payments. Its value lie in the potential for happiness it creates. Happiness is almost impossible without self-belief. Yet self-belief is hard for all Scots as long as Scotland is a subject nation.

Judith McClure
Former head, St George's School for Girls, Edinburgh
The Scottish election campaign has not had harsh financial reality as its focus, but it has revealed very clearly that Scots in general have a new perspective on politics and a strong desire for decisive leadership, internationally as well as locally. Political developments in Northern Ireland and Wales and an increasing sense of regional identity in England must be part of this picture, which may suggest a new federal United Kingdom rather than a break-up. I would welcome greater informed public debate on the issues: they should not be seen as a distraction.

Alan McFarlane
Investment manager
I do not think a 'break-up' of the UK is likely. At one stage I thought we might stumble into divorce from the rest of the UK if devolution had led to a radically different style (and substance) in Scottish politics, or if a single gargantuan issue had emerged which set Scotland against its neighbours. None of these things has happened and it's hard to see that changing. Instead, devolution has taught us that all governments regardless of where they are located – bottom of the Royal Mile or bank of the Thames – face much the same problems most of the time. I would not welcome a break-up of the UK. Could Scotland exist as an independent nation state? Of course it could. But why would we bother? The pragmatic questions of ‘why incur the cost and for what tangible benefit?’ must seem dreary to committed nationalists, but still have not been satisfactorily answered.

Ian Mackay
Chartered accountant
A break-up of the UK is unlikely in the short term and unless an able deputy for Alex Salmond emerges over the next 5/10 years much of the SNP momentum may be lost. There is a desire in Scotland for more devolved powers and this is likely to be achieved progressively over the next two parliaments. If further powers are passed to Holyrood, the Scottish MP numbers at Westminster should diminish significantly and, hopefully, the quality of our MSPs will be boosted as the opportunities in London reduce. I would welcome the break-up if the parliament in Edinburgh has sufficient ability and vision to allow the country to flourish.

Mike MacKenzie
Builder
The break-up of the UK is inevitable. We have been moving hesitantly towards it for years. The only credible argument left in its favour is that it acts like a large insurance company spreading risk, but the premium we pay is far too high. As a Scot I welcome this. Who wouldn't welcome the chance to start again and forge a democracy fit for the 21st century, which we can believe in; to manage our risks by developing a balanced economy, bring an end to the military adventures of the UK state and use our resources for better things?

Chris McLean
Former director of communications, SNP
As I write this, it is clear that the SNP has won a sweeping victory right across Scotland and the BBC is forecasting an overall majority in Holyrood. That means a referendum will be held on Scottish independence during the next five years. I believe another successful term of SNP government will convince a majority of Scots that full control over our own affairs and resources is preferable to cuts and anti-Scottish policies from a Westminster government Scots overwhelmingly rejected. I will be delighted to see Scotland follow the country where I live, Estonia, in joining the family of independent European nations.

Neil McLennan
Delegate, Young Scotland Programme
Devolution has not only worked, but it has worked well. Conversely one parliamentarian once said, 'devolution is power retained'. Independence is a completely different matter in expectation and in reality. Regional differences require regional representation. However, 'regions' must work collaboratively, especially during difficult economic times. Anticipatory 'divorces' serve no one's best interests. What seems right in the heart also needs some hard thinking. Ironically, an independent Scotland would desire strong European ties. Any break-up needs pragmatic aims, tangible benefits and realistic expectations. 'Strength in numbers' coupled with further regional power gets my backing. 

Hector MacQueen
Professor of private law, Edinburgh University
Assuming that by 'Britain' we mean the United Kingdom, I don't think its break-up is imminent and I am not at all sure that 'break-up' is likely. Even if it were possible to create some sort of new Hadrian's Wall on the Tweed-Solway line I doubt whether a majority of Scots would vote for it. And common membership of the European Union will make it very difficult to do economically and legally. 'Reconfiguration' of the UK however has already been under way for more than 10 years, and devolution is indeed proving to be a process rather than an event. And to me, looking at Wales and Northern Ireland as well as Scotland, this has been a good thing. The big question is, what to do about England? And unfortunately the English don't seem quite to have got this yet.

Douglas Marr
Former head teacher
Forget the opinion polls. As soon as my mother, in her tenth decade and a lifelong Labour supporter, expressed the view that the SNP's first term had been 'nae bad', Iain Gray was in big trouble. It's possible that she, like many who voted SNP, parked the independence issue for this election. The scale of the nationalist victory means that the referendum is now a certainty. The outcome is far less certain. It will take place as the delayed cuts in public spending are implemented. Mr Salmond will be seen more as Canute and less as the man able to hold back the economic tide. Defeat in the referendum and continuing turbulence in national and international economies will not provide a convincing backdrop for independence.

Maggie Mellon
Freelance social work consultant
Break up likely? Scotland has voted for a party that seemed like the only sensible social democratic choice. Whether this is the first step on road to separation depends a lot on what happens next. Will Westminster agree to extra powers in the Scotland Bill? And will the government be brave enough to use them? If Labour continues to be negative and petty they will increase any momentum to separation. Would I welcome it? Yes if it means a fairer, more equal society, no nuclear weapons, alternative energy and allotments for all!
No If it means becoming a rich man's playground built on a low wage service economy

Dick Mungin
Consultant
The massive swing to the SNP, while unprecedented, is not a sign of the break up, imminent or otherwise, of the UK. How could it be when Salmond's campaign hardly mentioned the 'I' word? The Great Leader himself, who openly courted support from unionist business figures, even announced that SNP voters did not have to accept the raison d'etre of his party. More powers will inevitably accrue to the Scottish Parliament, whichever party is in power, but the fantasy that Scots will vote for the dissolution of the UK is just that. Now Alex has to find a way of explaining it to his party faithful. We live in interesting times.

Marian Pallister
Writer and lecturer
The arrogance of the current Westminster government has given a new generation the courage to get in the nationalist boat. Today's Labour Party is a foreign country. I don’t think that we are about to cast off immediately, but I do believe that we now have the confidence to launch the good ship independent Scotland before 2020. I would welcome it immensely. Small nation states can survive and prosper – can we do it? Yes we can.

Alison Prince
Author and journalist
Implementing independence is such an elephantine task that it may fail through its sheer weight and consumption of parliamentary time. UK negotiations will be protracted and fractious and the Scottish public will sulk – but if the Westminster government continues on its suicidal course of cuts and impoverishment, people may see London as the root of all evil and opt for going it alone. By a narrow margin, I would welcome an independent Scotland, with the caveat that we abolish the clubbiness and smug stupidity that has ruled us for far too long. We will need imagination and very hard work.

Tessa Ransford
Poet
We are already a separate nation, but not equal. Independence would let us have an equal relationship with Westminster, which uses Scotland for exploitation and resources, held by the purse strings. We should be able to control our finances, our own ethos and management style in public and private sectors, to maintain our own international relations, our own immigration policies, to speak with our own (media) voice, to broker a fair deal on oil, to control our own land and sea ownership and management, to prevent the drain south of talent, skill and enterprise, to live with confidence and hope.

Donald Reid
Historian
Whilst Scotland has decided that Alex Salmond and his team are the best bet for the next five years, I don't believe that the majority of Scots will be in favour of breaking up the UK. The voters have simply decided that SNP are a safer beat than a dispirited Labour team, albeit I suspect that many of the SNP election promises will not be achievable as the austerity measures really begin to really bit over the next 2 years. Would I welcome independence? Definitely not! I believe there is much more to be gained by working together as the UK in a world which seems to become smaller by the day. Indeed moving to a fully independent Scotland will be enormously expensive. Moreover, it would inevitably result in years of fisty-cuffs between Westminster and Holyrood, over who owns what and how the UKs debt-mountain will be divided. This can only be bad news. I also believe the Scottish economy would be badly affected by independence with many companies likely to relocate south of the border. In fact I long for the days when we had Scotland run by one Secretary of State and around five under-secretaries instead of the current enormously expensive gravy-train.

George Robertson
Former secretary-general, NATO
I think that the break-up of the UK is, given this result, even less likely. The high tide of the SNP has coincided with the lowest support in the polls for separation and that is not irrational. Devolution has been popular and as it has risen in popularity the attractions of 'going it alone' have faded. Indeed there are good reason for thinking that the buffer of a promised referendum was one reason for the SNP success. One of the many mistakes Labour made was not pointing out that the serious Calman powers for Scotland came from a Labour government responding to Scottish aspirations. I will oppose with passion and conviction the break-up of Britain.

David Scott
Journalist
For me this has been the elephant and turkey election. The elephant in the room that major parties haven't satisfactorily addressed is – how will they tackle the financial cuts that are looming? Where will spending be reduced? What will the effects be? The cuts are coming but  you wouldn't know it listening to the electioneering politicians. The turkeys are us, the voters. We have been asked to vote not knowing the answers to those and other questions about public spending that are vital to our country's future. We have been ill-served. The SNP victory was not a vote for independence. Nor was it an anti-English vote. They got the massive result they did because Labour were inept and the nationalists were the only possible alternative to govern. Separation won't happen. When the decisions on public spending are made and jobs lost and services slashed people will, I suggest, feel more safe and secure as part of the United Kingdom. I would support that view.

Fred Shedden
Lawyer and company director
No but the election results show that an independent Scotland is no longer beyond the bounds of possibility. A further period of competent government by the SNP combined with an increasingly unpopular coalition government at Westminster will enhance the SNP's chances of winning a referendum on independence. Salmond's judgment on when to hold the referendum will be crucial. Yes. Scotland must have the confidence to manage its own affairs. Only independence will release Scotland's full potential and allow Scotland to forge relationships in the world based on reality rather than on Whitehall's obsession with being a world power.

Eric Sinclair
Teacher
(a) Do you think the break-up of the UK is now likely? It must now be more likely. (b) Would you welcome it? No. Virulent nationalism and harsh economic conditions can make a potent, divisive and destructive cocktail – as history tells us.  Our politicians should have the nation's security and our social and economic welfare as top priorities. I cannot see how expending energy and resources on breaking up the UK helps to make us more secure nor how it helps to tackle Scotland's pressing social ills and economic challenges.

Angus Skinner
Former chief social work inspector
Ironically Labour lost its hegemony at the very moment of its attempted enshrinement in devolution. Voters dismissed Labour leaders and mortally wounded the admirable Gray. Clegg badly wounded. So the timing of Cameron's further election? Poker player Salmond keeps the independence card for later, seeking momentum. When decision time comes, as sure it will, I am for clarity. A Tory/Lib/Dem coalition at Westminster and a Labour/Lib Dem coalition at Holyrood? No. We have to stop messing; there are more important issues than UK party politics. Independence may cut the Gordian knot. If so, I will vote so. Incidentally, though I could not get it into these 100 words, I find the collapse of the Green vote remarkable.

Rev Laurence Whitley
Minister, Glasgow Cathedral
I am not sure what 'break-up' means in this context. It tends to suggest a marriage where the partners want nothing more to do with each other. For Scotland and the UK, that is neither true nor possible. The key question is whether by assuming more responsibility, the Scottish population is ready to be more responsible. This would involve it outlawing sectarianism, getting a grip on its health, embracing literacy, creating business and learning how to be a rainbow society. It's a risk whether or not greater autonomy would stimulate this. Either way, however, we need to do better.

Alex Wood
Head teacher
An improved SNP vote and a government more likely to achieve a referendum makes Scottish independence and Scotland's withdrawal from the UK more likely but it remains only a possibility. Yes, Britain is a concept which should command little loyalty and England still thinks of itself as a world power, in Iraq, Libya and elsewhere. Scotland will do well to separate from that tradition. A more democratic, less unequal, more cooperative society would hopefully be created in an independent Scotland. Finally, independence is the best means to make Scots face up to their own problems – whether our poor health record, our macho culture, lack of self-confidence or sectarianism – and solve them ourselves. Independence is the best way to force us to stop blaming England for all our woes.

Kenyon Wright
Founder chair, Scottish Constitutional Convention
The United Kingdom as presently constituted – with royal prerogatives, the absolute  authority of the Crown in parliament, an outdate electoral system and centralised power – is finished. The choice is not between break-up and status quo. The latter is well beyond its shelf-life. No, the real choice is between a radically reformed Union, or none. I would welcome a federal UK with very different sharing of powers, and real power held securely (not 'devolved') in parliaments in all four nations, including England. If this is politically impossible and a pipe dream, then come on, the end of the Union.

Bob Wylie
Former BBC correspondent, now the Wise Group
An historical avalanche has taken place from which there may be no turning back. Obviously the vote makes separation more likely since it transforms the Scottish Parliament, taking it in the direction of independence. However would those who voted for the SNP yesterday also vote for independence in a referendum? I suspect the SNP pumping up the Scotland Bill will take Scotland nearer a Catalonian-style compromise which is probably the preference of most Scots rather than break-up. But a spectre is now haunting Scotland and the savagery of the Westminster coalition cuts may give it more and more substance.