THE Scottish independence movement finds itself in exciting but turbulent waters

in 2019. The “lost continent” of Scottish independence has now clearly appeared over the horizon. How we chart our final approach requires careful planning and constant vigilance of not only the counter winds that blow from the Unionist spin machine, but the undercurrent that represents how we treat our fellow citizens in order to step ashore in good health and as one nation.

The Brexit shambles is a warning of rough waters ahead for Scotland as we plan our exit from the rest of “Britain”. We must not allow ourselves to become overconfident and arrogant like the No-Deal Brexiteers, who do not have the foresight to make plans regarding the effects of Brexit. Rather, they just plough on, leaving in their wake a very unhappy populace. They may get what they wanted in the end, but at what price to the rest of us? Mutiny is on the cards!

At the moment, here are some of the possible tracks to Scottish independence:

1) We call to dissolve the Union as Scotland is now being dragged out of Europe against our wishes and as such that Union is now void.

2) Make it known a win for the SNP at the next election will be a mandate to trigger independence without any need for a further referendum.

3) Call for a referendum, where the people get to vote on independence specifically. Let’s say, for the sake of argument, 55% Yes is the result.

In any case, we would now need to extricate ourselves from the political union.

Negotiations would begin between Scotland and Westminster. Can anyone realistically see those negotiations being any easier than the ones the UK is having with Europe? If anything, it will be much more arduous given the character of those who would be sitting across the table. No-Deal Scottish independence could be a real possibility with all that would entail. Would we want to mirror the No-Deal Brexiteers and attempt a hard break-away? Take a moment to reflect on the division and bad feeling that would result here.

“THAT’S DEMOCRACY! If over 50% vote in favour then that is all that matters.”

What also matters is those Scots who voted against independence. For the first time, they will find themselves like we do now; disenfranchised and unrepresented. I feel it is important that we make every effort to treat these people with respect and not become like the current crop of self-congratulatory despots in Westminster.

I want free Scotland to be a modern, outward-looking place, that does not spend its time bickering internally about how we got there. The first few years of free Scotland will require a strong hand at the helm and careful language from our political leaders. It’s easy to ridicule or hate our opponents, it takes real courage and compassion to treat those who disagree with us with respect. Listen to their misgivings, don’t bulldoze our way Boris-style to a free Scotland, we could end up as the UK is now; fractured and isolated.

It is therefore my preference to take the third option above and hold a referendum, during which we can at least attempt to behave respectfully to our fellow Scots and not fall into the

trap of bluster and pronouncements, Boris-style. We need to have the conversations that matter BEFORE we get to the negotiating table, not once we sit at it.

We have in place the exact person who can steer us through these troubled waters: Nicola Sturgeon. Our First Minister has shown time and again she is a capable and respected leader, a rare thing indeed nowadays.

I want nothing more than to wake up one morning to find myself ashore on the newly found continent of Free Scotland, but I also want to bring as many of my fellow Scots ashore with me as possible, whether I agree with them or not. There will be a lot of work to do in our new nation and I for one would like to hear voices from all political and social persuasions discussing the way forwards.
Charlie Ambrose
Lochgilphead