dougiedanger

That's a surprise, Dougal--I thought you were against mergers, especially where there is one powerful, overbearing partner, and another smaller one that loses its identity in the merger. Still, it's nice to know the good people of Nottingham are so het up about all things Scottish.

You already live in a pretty free country. Struggling to see what more freedom there will be. Is a Scotland in closer ties with the EU than the UK is willing and with the Bank of England as the keeper of it's monetary union really independant? If England changes the interest rates, Scotland will have to jump but with less consideration paid to it's needs. And with such a large competitor next door, will Scotland become a much less desirable place to do business? It's not about blind bravehearts but about fiscal sense. It's not so simple, so I'm undecided. For me, it's mostly about a more representative government. That's why I'm much more in favour of devo-max and even more increased federalism. Power at the most local level. Below that of London or Holyrood. So, neither option especially appeals. The case isn't simple for me, so I'm still undecided. Freedom from living under a government that the country did not vote for, that is run by and for an elite that grows richer and more powerful by the day. Freedom from sending our children to wars that mean nothing to us, from spending billions on those wars and the weaponry they require; freedom to decide what your own economic and social priorities are; and the freedom to take responsibility for those decisions. Those kinds of freedoms.

Thanks for the reports RiG.

Disgraceful from the Tims, almost as bad as when they had that "Islam" banner at the Scottish Cup final.

Surely people must know whether they want to live in an independent country or not. Waiting for others to convince you either way is no real excuse for looking inwards and asking yourself: do I want to live in a free and independent country or not? It's quite simple, the rest will take care of itself.

Any updates from today v. Sunderland?

No, if you vote that way it will be because that's what most Tories will do. Don't dress it up as some trendy anti-nationalist stance.

The Craig was indeed a great playground, golf, football and tennis during the day, up again to watch some Welfare football at night, the Craig supporters some of the most colourful in the league. Hughie Douglas effing and blinding on the touchline. What about the great Welfare teams of yore?

Don't know if there has been a thread on this, but put yer memories of summers in Sneck right here, how ye all played out til the sun went down, on yer bogies, 20v20 games of footer, danger goalies, headers and volleys, swimming in the river/canal, BB camp, berry picking, getting p*shed on warm Tennents, the Green hut, the shows, etc, etc. Let's

Which was coolest: TORS or Christies? Used to sh*t masel going into either place. One time, asked in Christies for the new single by the Jam, "Stop."

Not sure what the moral of this tale is.

20 years next year, any plans to mark the anniversary?

Anyone mind the last game at Huntly? Was a sad day.

A young Fraser Taylor third from left, front row.

Way to not take the bait CB.

Aye, twitter are a good side.

Not always! My mum, aunt and granny all attended Telford St in the 50s. Woman did attend apparently but not in the numbers we see now. Certainly wasnt a family activity like we see today either. There was a link to a clip on here a while back, a game at Telford Street in the 50s/60s, and there were surprisingly high numbers of wummin there. And a surprisingly low standard of football.

No offence, Charles, but there are so many faults in your reasoning, and again no offence, but maybe if you weren't so smug about the whole thing, you wouldn't alienate so many potential supporters.

No offence, but it sounds like you are organizing a Sunday school outing. We'll be holding hands to and from the game next, naughty step for an inadvertent fart.

Wasn't his last game for Aberdeen at Telford Street in 1986, for the centenary game?

One more for the yes camp then.

Wish I hadn't clicked on that.

Reductio ad Hilterum. Regarding the cost of the funeral, I believe that Mrs Thatcher had said she didn't want a state funeral. I think David Cameron has a point when he says "I think people would find us a pretty extraordinary country if we didn't properly commemorate with dignity, with seriousness, but with also some fanfare ... the passing of this extraordinary woman. I think not only in Britain would people say, 'You are not doing this properly', but I think the rest of the world would think we were completely wrong." It's worth commemorating someone who had such an impact on the country. All other former Prime Ministers who have died recently have had memorial services.