Abu Dhabi: Just as you finish reading this, a sizeable portion of the 4.2 million registered Scottish voters will have already begun thronging the 2,608 polling places across Scotland to answer the one overriding question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?”
The latest surveys predict a neck and neck contest between those who will say “yes” to an independent Scotland and those who will say “no thanks…we are better together” but as far as Dubai’s British are concerned, they will only be too happy to hit the watering holes this Friday, irrespective of the outcome, “as one... and just like old times”.
“Why not?” asks senior tech executive George Creer, 44. “The Irish and English have had violent struggles in the past – but today they’re good friends. My English buddies will always be the same,” the Scot told XPRESS ahead of Thursday’s historic referendum that could potentially decide the fate of a 307-year-old union of two kingdoms.
“I am all for Scotland’s independence, but I am in no way anti-English. Both England and Scotland have been fundamental in building the British empire, but there is a need today for Scots to be able to express their self-determination. Independence to Scotland will give Scots full power to manage their economy in a way that is right for them,” added the man from Edinburgh.
“Of course, I will [still go out with my English mates] — Scottish independence has nothing at all to do with being anti-English or anti-British. It has nothing to do with Braveheart, bagpipes, tartan, oil reserves or using the pound, but all about self-determination and about the opportunity for the people that live in Scotland to have control over the country’s identity and future,” said Hibs fan and fellow Dubai resident Seth Hand, 44, who adds that he would have definitely voted “yes” though if he had a chance to cast his ballot.
For millions around the world like Creer and Hand, a “yes” is an assertion that there’s more to them than calling things Scottish — from the Saltire to the bagpipes to, in recent times, the one-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, their own. However, many others are wary of Thursday’s outcome as a sense of uncertainty looms.
Last weekend together
“This could perhaps be our last weekend together as one British family or maybe not. Who knows? We also don’t know if our son Murray will be Scottish or remain a UK citizen,” said Springs resident Scotsman Ian Low, 43, whose wife Kerrie, 41, is English.
Their 10-year-old son Murray sticks out a “no thanks” badge his father picked up in Glasgow during his last visit. “Scotland should stay in the UK. For the last so many years they have been together – why should they separate now?” asked the sixth grader who shares the sentiments of his parents who are clearly against an independent Scotland.
“Both England and Scotland have been together for more than 300 years. They are like a happily married couple. Why break them up?” asked Ian with an accent more suited to London than Edinburgh.
Strongly averse
Another mixed couple - Jonathan and Lynn with a seven-year-old girl, Gabriella – are also strongly averse to the potential split. “They are far too integrated to be split up just like that. Even if the voting turns ‘yes’ it will take at least 10 years for things to fall in place,” said Englishman Jonathan Coy, 53.
However, his wife Lynn, 42, says her staunch Scottish father — who died a month ago — wouldn’t have minded an independent Scotland. “Unfortunately he died two weeks ago and will miss out on his vote. My mother who was against the division is now leaning towards a ‘yes’ – just to support my father’s cause,” said Lynn.
Many who want a split though are wondering what happens if the union survives Thursday’s plebiscite. For them, it seems clear that in some important ways it will never be the same again.
“I refuse to even contemplate the idea. What will happen to the flag...we like it as it is. We’re a family!” said Amy Denny, a PR manager.
“If I was pushed to vote – I will definitely go for ‘yes’. A change is always good and Scotland has all the resources to be on its own,” said Scottish expatriate Christopher Gibson, 30.
“In my heart I’m a ‘yes’, but because I can’t vote I haven’t wasted my time or energy trying to find out enough,” said fellow Scotsman Scott Harper, 41.
“Am not saying Scots should not vote for independence. But they must do it because they feel strongly about it and not because they want to get one over on the English. I’d hate to think we were bringing up our children to harbour such hatred and animosity,” said his English wife Catherine who is put off by hate posts doing the rounds in various social media.
‘We are Scots but we can’t vote’
“We are Scotsmen at the end of the day and our roots are with our home in Scotland. When a non-Scotsman living in Scotland can vote — why have we not been given this right?” asked Ian Low. Scotsman Scott Harper said: “How can a non-Scot living in Scotland vote on the future of a country they may not be living for long, but a true Scot living outside who brings considerable investment back home does not get this basic right? It is not fair.”
Stephen John, 37, Sustainability Manager in Abu Dhabi
“As expats, though we are logistically removed from developments happening back home, we are observing it very closely. There has always been a friendly rivalry between us — the English and Scottish people — especially in sports and other activities. But this momentum towards Scottish independence has caught everyone by surprise. I would think it is a reflection of British politics too. I would want Scotland to stay in the UK. I went to school with Scottish friends. Even in Abu Dhabi we are a great group of friends. I believe we will be a stronger country if we stick together.”
Paddy Mcdaid, 32, Finance professional in Abu Dhabi
“It is a ‘Yes’ vote from me. It took me a while to decide. But when I consider the benefits, I definitely believe that Scotland will do far better as an independent country. Scotland is self-sufficient, and we have a strong identity. Most people I know from Scotland regard themselves as Scottish and not British. There are many who argue against Scottish independence. That is because if we stick to the United Kingdom, it is better for England but not necessarily for Scotland.”
Walid Chamma, 30, Finance Professional from UK
“This may be a burning topic back home. But here, it is not such a big deal. Whether it is a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote for Scottish independence, I do not think it will impact friendships and relationships from a social perspective in this part of the world. It can have some repercussions in some towns and villages in the UK. On a political level, it is definitely a ‘No’ vote from me because I don’t see how Scotland can be independent from a financial and resource perspective. The self-sustenance on Scotland’s oil reserves is just an exaggerated claim.”
Who can vote
Under the terms of the 2010 Draft Bill, the following people would be entitled to vote in the referendum:
British citizens who are resident in Scotland
Citizens of the 52 other Commonwealth countries who are resident in Scotland
Citizens of the 27 other European Union countries who are resident in Scotland
Members of the House of Lords who are resident in Scotland
Service/Crown personnel serving in the UK or overseas in the British Armed Forces or with Her Majesty’s Government who are registered to vote in Scotland.
You speak:
Should Scotland be independent or remain in the UK?
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