Reflections on Scotland in 2014

I have waited all my life to visit Scotland. The Scots with whom I have worked alongside over many years have been in the main a grumpy cynical bunch., so I had to lay that Ghost to rest, and I believe I did. It was a pleasure and a delight to visit and meet the people of Scotland as it is today.
                                                                                        At this significant time of the potential for independence, I cant help but have strong views. In one sense it matters not to the people of England and Wales if Scotland goes independent, it would be there choice, and if they no longer seek to be part of a collective, we feel they alone will lose out. Then there's another view with which I hold strongly, and that is as Great Britain we all accomplished so much over the century or so, our camaraderie during two world wars speaks for itself, and the interchange of English Welsh and Scottish culture has always been an  important formula. I regard the antics of the SNP as divisive, and I believe Mr Salmond is not competent to lead, never mind have a coherent plan to look after the good folk of Scotland.
                                                   I intend to return to Scotland, and hope when I do its the friendly and welcoming land that it is, not one lost in economic or political borders and a Euro mentality. Above all else I look forward once again to listening to the incredible and overwhelming silence of its countryside.