robbylad

Harvest

Spot on 157. We are where we are because in the 2011 election, which to the vast majority was overwhelmingly about schools, hospitals, law and order etc, this single issue pressure group also slid the word "referendum" into its manifesto. Because Labour in particular but also the other mainstream parties were in such disarray, this bunch of single issue obsessives got an overall majority. The very next day this "referendum", which much of the electorate wasn't even aware of or rated as a relevant election issue, became the only thing that mattered and has been boring the @rse off most of us ever since. The reality is that, of the 44.7%, even the majority of them couldn't actually give much of a toss about separation. I think most of them voted Yes because it was one of just two options or the people telling them to do so were offering them more subsidy from the public purse..... or simply because they had seen that wonderful example of historical accuracy which is Braveheart! And now the SNP have firmly been told NO they are still in denial about that and, whilst they continue to attempt to undermine the process of increased devolution in pursuit of their unique brand of grievance politics, our public services continue to suffer from neglect. If the snp hadn't brought the referendum, I'm pretty sure you'd be on here banging on about a manifesto pledge being deserted.

Are you on the wind up sir?? You know how contrary we Scots can be and because you shift position there's a good chance the yes side will too. Lol

Basically Aldi/Lidl operate a low cost model, from start to finish, top to bottom, with a small product range, basic stores, low staffing and relatively little marketing. A fair amount of their stuff, especially chilled, is sourced locally in Scotland/UK. But an awful lot of their stock is procured abroad through massive contracts that supply all of their European stores, with major economies of scale. Moreover, the brands you've never heard of aren't actually brands at all, it is just Aldi/Lidl own label, dressed up to be a brand. So they are paying a relative pittance for the goods. And they are damn good at what they do. They will always be cheaper than Tesco etc, but like any retailer they set different prices for each country they operate in. You forgot to point out that aldi/lidl pay there staff far better than the rest.

Well..... grr, predictive text.

Salmond May we'll make a rousing passionate speech, but I doubt it will be on any front pages.

Now you're just being logical. No room for logic from no better together.

Now watch the offers to do something for us so they can hold onto the oil tax revenues, the Scottish export figures and the Trident parking space come thick and fast! Wonder who will be first to tender! But I hope everyone bears in mind, offers/promises from Westminster are always as little as they can get off with, or are ignored completely when they get their way, as in 1979.........and once we vote NO...we will be perceived to have acquiesced to everything they do to us in future. After all, haven't they had two years, at least, to come up with something useful, having decided to forbid the Devo-max option in the referendum.....but true to form, they offer sops, then, as in 1979, at the last minutes, weigh in with a promise they will do something AFTER we vote NO......having proven with regular monotony in the past, that we can't trust a Westminster politician as far as we can throw them. If they are so desperate to keep us, it is because it is to their benefit, not ours...and you all know that. According to the rules, any new offers have to be made 28 days before poll. Since some folk have already voted (postal), it would surely invalidate their vote.

Businesses can leave if they want. The business opportunities won't leave with them. As for banks leaving? They're more likely to go to Republic of Ireland than England. They're pretty concerned about UK leaving the EU. If that happens we'll lose the banks anyway.

Nuh... he didn't oddquine

Bowie made a one-line pronouncement, Bragg was initially a no and has now come round to a reasoned argument for Yes, which he sets out convincingly in the article. Not every Englishman wants to cling desperately to Britain's imperial past, and some like BB can even see that the referendum is the best chance to renew politics and society in both Scotland and England. And at least Billy Bragg lives and pays his taxes in the UK.

Over to you oddquine...

Saw plenty of reasons to dislike him but his nationality wasn't one of them.

I've offended you by suggesting that you don't really want to hear the answer to the oft repeated questions. I apologise for that. It's been a long campaign and tempers may be getting a bit frayed. I'm guilty of making a generalisation from the folk I've met. Please accept my apology.

Plan B is almost undoubtedly, in the short/medium term at least to use sterling without a currency Union....(.which I'd prefer, given my druthers) ..just like Ireland did from its independence until it joined the ERM. Sterling, just like the dollar and the euro is a tradeable currency, and any country at all can use any of them if they want. The EU can insist on the Euro all it likes, but it is only obligatory once a country meets all five of the convergence criteria....and with the propensity of politicians not to think things through, four of the convergences are financially based, like level of debt to GDP and stuff like that....but the fifth one, membership of ERM II for a minimum of two years is optional...which is why Sweden has never adopted the Euro....because it has never chosen to join ERM II. Come independence, btw there will be one party, at least, standing in elections with not being in the EU as a policy....the SDA. They would prefer the EEA or EFTA, which they think would give the trading benefits without the centralism and regulations. Fair play to you oddquine. What's plan b is asked over and over again yet you patiently answer it. I admire that. Especially as it's people who don't want to know the answer in case they have to rethink their position. Personally, I can't be arsed trying to explain things to people who have made up their mind and just pretend that they are open minded. You can lead a horse to water....

Shameful

That's as maybe but no one expected the lib dems to jump into bed with the Tories. Scotland clearly didn't want them but got them anyway. Just look at how popular the lib dems are now.

Tripper

Yep, these rabid Nats are again showing their true colours posting hate filled abuse because someone dares to have a different opinion. http://www.buzzfeed.com/jonstone/scottish-nationalists-who-reacted-really-badly-to-jk-rowl I was going to suggest that Yes Scotland could capitalise by having a fundraising bonfire of Harry Potter books, but it sounds like their members don't have many left now. If you are suggesting that yes supporters are akin to book burning Nazis, you are every bit as out of order as the abusers you are so quick to condemn.

That'll scare the horses.

Have to agree. Tremarco isn't the tallest guy in the team but he looked very comfortable at centre back.

It is easy to justify either the inclusion or exclusion of Scots not currently residing here, but ultimately the ones living outwith Scotland have been excluded because they are less insular and are therefore far more likely to vote No. Insular??? By that logic, every country ever to claim it's independence must also be insular. I don't think it's insular to want to stand up in the world and engage with the world on your own terms. Westminster s plan for a referendum on EU? Now that must be insular too then?

Web

Hyperbole

I think Butcher will get til Christmas. If Hibs are still *****, he'll be oot on his erse.