Multiculture and Independence for Scotland

As an English musician I suppose I shouldn't really be sticking my nose into what is essentially a Scottish political dichotomy. However, as I have Scottish ancestry I think that entitles me to add a little something to the debate. I admit though, my Scottish connection doesn't actually get properly Scottish until the mid nineteenth century.

My great great grandfather (born 1832) came from Hoddom near Ecclefechan, which is situated near the border between Scotland and England. He was a direct decedent of a collection of lawless families known as Border reivers. Interestingly these families viewed themselves as neither Scottish nor English and as such didn't give a damn about who they robbed, when they weren't robbing each other and or feuding and fighting with other border clans. Apparently one clan feud lasted 100 years! As a consequence of all this lawlessness, the Archbishop of Glasgow issued the longest and most comprehensive curse in human history on all those families involved, which included the Armstrong family who were the most notorious and were related to the late Neil Armstrong (astronaut). Because of these families 'border country' as it was known, was for hundreds of years widely regarded as ungovernable.

There is an excellent book on the subject of border reivers by George MacDonald Fraser, author of the rather brilliant and spectacularly politically incorrect Flashman novels, entitled 'The Steel Bonnets' > check it out >

What with Scottish and English nationalism on the rise, I am starting to wonder if Britain is yet again about to become a pretty unpleasant place to live. Now we've had Muslim Brits beheading Americans I'm also wondering if those advocating a more liberal view on immigration, such as Messrs Clegg, Cameron and Miliband whether or not they are going to review their beliefs about multi-culture? In the wake of Brexit, I doubt it somehow - opinions seem more divided now than ever before.

Whilst it may be true that I don't understand an awful lot about Muslim culture, the British culture is fast becoming a complete enigma too. My wife is Japanese, as far as I am aware she hasn't once suggested that our local town needs a Shinto shrine'. Paradoxically there are numerous Brits quite prepared, without any provocation, to become more Japanese than the Japanese themselves - well almost. Honestly, you can't move in my local area for Aikido and Karate dojos. One of our Japanese friends quite openly criticises her English husband for nailing significant chunks of fake Japanese paraphernalia (samurai swords etc.) to their walls, none of which you'd find on any self-respecting Japanese wall, she claims.

Brits drive Japanese cars, there are Japanese restaurants opening-up all over the shop, and even our regular shops, or some of, are modelling themselves on a Japanese style. And all this in the aftermath of a lost World War, no referendum, not a single shot fired or beheading, or even any veiled threats. Yet, if you actually go to Japan, you won't find them integrating with other cultures en masse, indulging in multi-culture, as it were. Personally I find it fascinating that you could stand in the middle of Tokyo and feel more at home than you would in the middle of Bradford. Whatever your views on this, I would say that the ideology of nationalism in any of its forms and multiculturalism do not sit very well together - they are incompatible.

As for Scottish independence on this tiny island of Britain - could it be that those 'yes' voting Scots who have dared to venture south of Hadrian's wall have discovered an England they're not too keen on? Just how popular is multiculture in Scotland? I suppose Glasgow can claim to be ethnically diverse but is it multiculture or a collection of disparate groups trying to enthusiastically celebrate Burns night?

I suspect that Scottish complaints about Westminster are just a smoke screen too. I mean, virtually everyone in England moans about Westminster, I know I do. I know quite a few Cornishman who would gladly reject London rule, but even they know in their hearts it is an unrealistic aspiration.

I wonder why so many Scots think that they have been singled-out for special treatment/punishment by Westminster? As far as I can tell they haven't, they're just a victim of what they don't like, that being English democracy. Perhaps the Scots have discovered that there are far more stupid people living in England than there are in Scotland and as such are more likely to be a victim of English democratic stupidity. Mind you, there's only 4 million or so Scots and 60+ million English, so it's hard to see how anyone could expect democratic equilibrium and a larger slice of the cake no matter what the outcome of a general election as a result of a minority of voters in Scotland. Of course the Scots already get a larger slice, much to the increasing chagrin of the English, so one is bound to wonder what exactly they have to complain about?

The fact that Westminster agreed to a referendum in the first place is surely a bit suspect. Imagine if the tables were turned and the UK was run from Edinburgh and that England was a small but necessary part of the Scottish economy. Do you think for one moment the Scots would agree to an English referendum on its independence? I don't think so somehow. Are the Scots offering to give the Shetland islands independence? Probably not.

Notwithstanding I do feel sorry for Scotland because whatever the outcome of the referendum Scotland will be a very divided little country, especially if they vote 'yes' (to be a separate country) because as anyone with half a functioning brain cell knows; acrimonious divorces (and it will be) are almost always deeply unpleasant affairs and consequently very, very costly.

So be careful what you wish for Scotland, you might just get it, and even then it might not be to your liking e.g. if Scotland's economy fails or diminishes, it might become more right wing, and even less likely to deliver social justice and fairness - whatever that is?

Now, despite Scotland voting to remain in the EU, having agreed to take part in a UK wide referendum on the issue and to respect the result, they appear to be unwilling to accept the result. Scotland, as a separate entity wish to be ruled from Brussels and not a democratically elected parliament at Westminster - a Parliament in which they play a significant part. I have to say, given that the EU is decidedly undemocratic, that is a peculiar choice if ever there was one. And what I find particularly galling is that they are prepared to cast aside the democratic principle of losers consent to achieve something that ultimately gives the people of Scotland less say in their affairs.

Finally, I am saddened by the fact that so many Scots wish to leave the UK. Of course many in England will cheer, which is also sad, but ultimately I don't think it'll make Britain a better place. I know "better together" sounds a bit of a cliche but, as they say, no man is an island.

Tootle pip.

HB