Part two of my imagining of the Scottish armed forces in 2024, 10 years after we won the independence vote, is now up: The Scottish army in 2024.

In this part I describe the structure and equipment of Scottish army.

Sadly we didn't win the indyref in 2014. But if we had, what would the Scottish armed forces look like today, 10 years later?

My latest blog post (the first of a series of three) attempts to answer that question. I'm interested in how others would answer it.

I'm not sure how familiar people here are with my blog, which is mostly focussed on Scottish independence. I'm recently posted my latest links post, Links 32: Indyref 10th anniversary edition, which focusses on the 10th anniversary of the indyref, which we only lost by a narrow margin (and that because people believed Better Together's lies).

Refugee from Twitter here, couldn’t put up with the hate anymore. Twitter name was Zak35. Anyway this is the first post to Reddit even though I’ve been here for 5 years. Hoping against hope I see an Indy Scotland before I croak but the older I get the less likely it seems☹️☹️☹️

Most EU states tax big cars to oblivion, in the UK it works different hence why it’s cheaper to have a big car

Hi everyone,

I’ve been thinking about how we might reimagine our head of state if we ever decide to go down the route of independence. Specifically, I want to propose an idea that combines respect for our traditions with a modern approach to leadership: electing a ceremonial president in the same way UK universities elect their chancellors.

The Concept: In many UK universities, chancellors are elected to serve as ceremonial figureheads, representing the institution at official events and embodying its values. These chancellors are often respected figures from various fields—arts, sports, academia, or public service—and are chosen through a process that involves representatives from different parts of the university community, like staff, students, and alumni.

Adapting This for Scotland: Imagine if Scotland had a similar process for electing a ceremonial president. This president wouldn't be involved in the day-to-day running of the government (much like the monarch or the presidents of Ireland or Germany). Instead, they would serve as a unifying symbol of our nation, representing Scotland at home and abroad, and performing important ceremonial duties.

The Election Process: Instead of a direct popular vote, the president could be elected by an assembly of representatives from across Scottish society—perhaps including MSPs, local council leaders, cultural and academic figures, and representatives from civil society. This assembly would nominate and elect a president who exemplifies the best of Scotland, whether through their contributions to the arts, sports, science, or public life.

Potential Candidates: Scotland is blessed with many figures who could serve as a ceremonial president, embodying our values and culture. Some examples might include: -Sir Billy Connolly -Dame Evelyn Glennie

• King Charles (an elected head of state instead of hereditary and king of our old pals in England and Wales 😉)
• Franz, Duke of Bavaria: As a senior descendant of the House of Stuart, he has a historical connection to Scotland and could represent a link to Scotland’s royal past.
• Sir Andy Murray.
• Professor Sir Tom Devine.

Why This Approach? This model could offer several benefits:

• Depoliticization: A ceremonial president, elected through a broad-based assembly, would be less likely to be caught up in political divisions and could act as a unifying figure for all Scots.
• Cultural Representation: This process would allow us to choose a figure who truly embodies Scottish values and culture, rather than just political success.
• National Pride: A ceremonial president could help enhance our sense of national identity, especially in international forums.

I mean most of the protest is happening in England though It’s like a revolution or something crazy Will this affect us at all

The vote on the abolition of the two child cap brought by the SNP is one thing. Agree or disagree.

But Keir Starmer has suspended 7 Labour MPs for DARING to support the motion.

This goes completely against everything that Keir HARDIE stood for and a lot of Scots should really be questioning their actions in voting for Labour.

I am not saying that you necessarily agree or disagree, although I have my own opinion.

But the whole idea of Labour is that everyone has a voice.

Labour NOW is just another version of the Tory party.

Maybe an actual Scottish Labour party in an independent Scotland would be different, but time will tell. For the time being, the most important thing is to get out of this hellhole that is the UK.

LIke having 2 months summer hoilday - like the republic of ireland

And no homework - like in the republic of ireland

Could this work as we would no longer require to take part in the UK style education anymore?

Where they tax u on CO2 emissions instead of engine size

Like using KM instead of MPH Using the Euro Using the white standard euro numberplates Maybe drive in the right?

What Westminster Prick suggested this

This is a fucking outrage WE NEED INDEPENDENCE FROM WESTMINSTER PRICKS NOW

This country is literally about to fall apart, Geezus Christ

currently the route we have is the Newcastle to Rotterdam crossing

I've recently become interested in the topic of Scottish independence. I'm aware of the past referendum and how the Scottish were essentially tricked or forced into voting to stay apart of the UK.

I've heard ramblings about the effect of Brexit and Covid but I guess my question here is just what is the current stance looking like if another referendum was to be held?

Could Swinney and Forbes form a power team ruling SNP/Scotland and paving the way to independence?

Hi everyone,

A recent visit to Ireland (where my folks are from) has had me reflecting on Scottish heritage and how crucial it is to preserve and reinvigorate it, especially in the context of our ongoing pursuit of independence. Drawing inspiration from the successes of similar initiatives in Ireland, what do people say to a Scottish Gaelic Cultural and Sporting Association here in Scotland?

The aim of this association goes beyond just celebrating our cultural identity; it's about harnessing the power of our heritage to drive forward the cause of independence. Much like how cultural organizations played a key role in Ireland's journey to independence, I believe a Scottish Gaelic Cultural and Sporting Association can serve as an apolitical keystone for independence.

We have shinty, highland game events and (to a lesser extent) gaelic football already so why not expand them to communities where they have dropped off along with gaelic language events and traditional arts and music?

In an ideal world, split it into historic counties and provinces each with their own flavour.

It would be great on a national level eventually but maybe it could be started locally one club at a time?

Hello!

Any pointers on party neutral pro independence groups?

Recently discovered that yes Scot is owned by SNP.

I've said previously on posts in this sub that I thought Hamza is a useful idiot to an SNP establishment who do not want independence now that they enjoy life as the establishment.

I listened to his interview on the rest is politics and have to review that opinion, given time and opportunity he's a great talker with a lot of good things to say and really does appear to be comitted to the overarching goal.

Do I agree with everything he does or says? No. I'd love to see him disavow Sturgeon and her conuct and repair the rift with Alba, but I think the SNP will get my vote again which is something I didn't expect. Highly recomend giving it a listen!

We don’t quite have the same amount of armchair commentators as say, America, but does anyone know of any content creators with an independence supporting theme/lean?

I’d love to find some and fill my algo w more but so hard to find.

So after a lot of amazing comments on my recent post with different perspectives on the current state of the independence movement I’ve started comparing Alba and Greens. I remember folk making out like alba were basically tories, is this just because they were up against SNP?

Looking at their policies I can see they support a UBI, further laws on hate crime and support for green energy to name a few, just wondering if I’m missing anything?

Also if anyone feels like sharing anything about their experience as an SNP, Alba or Green member to help us undecided rebels it would be great!!

Edit: first posted in error to r/scotland

I feel like some of the drive for independence left with her. Feels like we don’t have it as our priority anymore, and the recent court rulings etc have been another punch down from the UK.

I’ve always voted SNP but feel like I’m at a crossroads - vote SNP to continue supporting independence or vote labour to increase the chances of the tories going out.

Is anyone feeling this way or do I just have winter blues?

Hi, I am looking for any research or any analysis into why Scotland voted against Scottish independence, particularly any research into shortcomings or failures from a campaign perspective.

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I should say that I don't have any particularly strong opinions on Scottish Indy, I actually see why there is an appetite there, the UK isn't a true federal model and it should be.

But I'm curious and would be interested in answers to the following questions:

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1. Do pro-Indy types support the idea of completely free trade between Scotland and England (I won't say UK as I doubt it would survive) or do you anticipate their being a trade deal with various tariffs? The English are going to need to import energy, but Scotland is only 9.4% arable land so will remain reliant on a lot of food imports. I personally believe that a 'British Isles Free Trade Area' would be most beneficial for both parties, otherwise you'll find your food bills rising and we'd find our energy bills rising.
2. Will there be a physical barrier at the border? I guess that if there isn't a free trade agreement some sort of physical border would be necessary for customs. If there is free trade then there wouldn't necessarily have to be, but the potential for differing immigration policies might result in frustration between the two nations.
3. One would presume that the Scottish people living in England would need to swap their UK passport for a Scottish one, and apply for a work visa to continue to live and work in England. What would be your view of doing similar to what the USA does by continuing to tax their citizens overseas when they earn a certain amount of money? Such a system would actually mean that footballers like Scott McKenna, John McGinn and Lewis Ferguson would have to pay additional tax to Scotland unless they gain dual nationality. I suppose this could help some lesser Scottish teams keep hold of players that want to move to the English leagues.
4. What level of cooperation would Scotland want to continue to have with England? Presumably you'd have your own army, but it would probably be best for you to propose some sort of intelligence sharing system for matters of national security, with MI5 and MI6?
5. Would you continue to allow Berwick Rangers to compete in the Lowland League? They are an English football team but they play against Scottish opposition.
6. What would you propose happens to English citizens living in Scotland. Presumably any non-Scot would need to apply for a residency permit and work permit. What length of tenure would you consider acceptable for automatic right to a Scottish passport. E.g. if I've lived in Glasgow for 10 years, could I have a Scottish passport at the point of the split?
7. Would you be happy to continue to use the £ as currency? Sturgeon has previously said that it is called the Great British Pound, and both England and Scotland are of course on the British isles, so whilst this is valid to an extent, there can only be one central bank setting monetary policy such as interest rates and there isn't a chance that that England will relinquish control of that to a country one tenth of the size, so that means the BOE could change interest rates to suit the English economic situation which could differ from the needs of the Scottish economic situation; you'd essentially be using our currency. Would the long term aspiration be to transition to your own currency, and if so would you be worried about the strength of that currency in comparison to the global reserve currency?

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That's about all I have at the moment!