Today is a momentous day in the long history of Scotland's relations with the rest of the United Kingdom, when Scots will vote on independence. Polls show the people of Scotland to be evenly split as to whether to sever the ties that they've had with England since 1707. Queen Elizabeth II recently weighed in suggesting that Scots need to "think very carefully about the future," which many Scots viewed as high-handed treatment. Nonetheless, Scottish independence would force decisions on everything from currency to treaties, and diminish the United Kingdom economically and culturally.
There are independence movements across Europe involving ethnic groups within countries (e.g., Catalonia in Spain, Flanders in Belgium, etc.) that will be encouraged should Scotland vote for independence. Stay tuned.
(photo: Flag of Scotland)
