This was the last photo that we took on our recent trip down south, I haven’t sorted through all the others yet, obviously Jack took it as I’m in it. I’ve got my ‘thumb up’ glad to be back in Scotland. We were on a quiet, small road into Scotland, just at the village of Coldstream, and as you can see there are no flags at this small border crossing, the flags are by the side of the motorway.
Anyway, today David Cameron was in Edinburgh finalising the details of the referendum on Scottish independence. Sixteen and seventeen year olds are going to be allowed to vote in it, that’s a first as eighteen is the normal voting age in Britain, and it’s just going to be a straight yes or no to independence. Some people were hoping there would be a ‘devolution max’ option.
One thing which a lot of people seem to be worried about is whether we would need a passport to travel between Scotland and England. Thankfully the answer to that is NO – and it’s just as well because with the amount of traffic going backwards and forwards between the two countries it would take us forever and a day to make the journey.
If you’re interested in hearing what our two great leaders(!!) said about the historic day you can have a look here.
Great picture. May I use it for my Scottish Challenge journal? Good luck with the elections. Hope all goes well.
Lorraine,
Certainly, you can use the photo, you should be able to crop me out of it, otherwise, I can do it for you – if you just want the sign. I suspect that by the time we get to 2014 we’ll all be sick of the whole referendum and yacking politicians!
The thought never entered my mind that I would crop you out!
I love the photo, Katrina!
Peggy Ann,
Thanks!
I’m very familiar with that border crossing, Katrina, as I use it several times a week – shopping and going to the library, doctor, dentist and hospital etc. It would be an absolute nightmare if there were to be a border passport check point!!! The whole idea of Scottish Independence is a mystery to me and it does sadden me – so divisive.
Margaret,
I’m happy to have devolution because things were terrible here during the Thatcher years when we were used and abused by the Tories despite the fact that there were no Tory MPs in Scotland, well maybe one! All those southern English people who say we live on massive subsidies do rub us up the wrong way though. London and the south have much more money thrown at them. People in what they call ‘the north’- like Manchester, feel just as annoyed about those in the south I think. I really don’t think that Independence is likely, unless the Scottish football team starts doing well!!
We lived in ‘the north’ – near Manchester – during the Thatcher years and completely agree things were terrible – she has a lot to answer for.
Margaret,
It’s amazing how often we say – it’s Thatcher’s fault. The north and south of England are like completely different countries. Most people in the south have never been to the north of England, never mind Scotland!
I’m all for independence in nearly every cause, so I wish that everything goes well. What a lovely photo of you! I’ll copy and save it in my “Beautiful Photos” file.
I must find out when the election is going to be, so I can “tune in” to the news and be ready.
Best wishes,
Judith
Judith,
Me in a “beautiful photos” file – you daftie!
The campaigning has started already and I think we’ll just about all have lost the will to live by the time the election comes around some time in 2014. Who knows what will happen between now and then but at the moment I don’t think independence is going to happen. Margaret is just over the border in England and the whole idea upsets her, on the other hand there are a lot of English people living in Scotland who are active Scottish Nationalists and keen on independence.