The colourful arguments support a yes vote

This week, for the first time, I felt an inclination on which way I might be swayed on the question of Scottish Independence. The great decision of our generation deserves objective appraisal rather than rash prejudice. Interestingly it was a somewhat parochial debate between the Spectator's Fraser Nelson and Angus Robertson of the SNP about cultural identity that moved me to sense a preference for the first time.

The spectrum of reasons for voting one way or another is utterly fascinating: From oil wealth to nuclear weapons. The macroeconomic argument gains most coverage. This is unsurprising, given the conventional wisdom that the mantra of 'it's the economy stupid' will prevail when the sun rises on the 18th of September. Game theory buttresses the dictum that the savvy Scottish voter will vote for rational self-interest. Therefore, much of the debate has focused on whether independence would lead to financial gain or loss. 

It seems that the No Campaign has marshaled the majority of the establishment into their camp. The apparent co-option of the ostensibly impartial Civil Service underlines Better Together's superiority on this front. Business also generally seems to favour the status quo, with Standard Life amongst the high profile firms to voice concern about Scotland going it alone. However, when you get out and about around Glasgow, the debate becomes more colourful than the rather grey technicality of macroeconomic pontification.

A common reason I hear for voting no is not that Scotland would become an impoverished basket case, but various connotations of 'I don't like Alex Salmond and the SNP'. I respond to these statements of intent by pointing out the blatant irrelevance of our self styled El Presidente and his motley cohort over the longer term. To vote yes is not to vote SNP. In fact, the democratically superior voting system adopted for Scottish Parliamentary elections means that, individually, we have a more equal opportunity to dismiss our politicians than the bizarre and anti-democratic first past the post system that prevails at Westminster elections. Thus, a valid reason to vote yes is to enhance democracy, especially after cynical sections of the media closed ranks and trashed the democratically progressive move to the alternative vote system.

Amongst the more outlandish theories that I've heard is that large sections of the catholic community in Scotland will vote yes because it would precipitate the eventual collapse of the United Kingdom! Thereby facilitating the unification of Ireland. While I don't subscribe to this hypothesis, I do think that we can learn something from across the Irish Sea. The fact that the Repulic of Ireland is an independent nation state does not impose an onerous burden on family connections that transcend international borders; I doubt very much – contrary to sensational media claims - that we would suffer any real familial disconnect post separation. 

I have an English mother and Scottish father. I was born and raised in Scotland and I do consider myself Scottish to the extent that when I'm travelling the world, I do say that I am from Scotland, not the UK or Great Britain. I don't think independence would have any detrimental effect on social connections between Scotland and the rest of the UK. Optimistically perhaps, I think that the pernicious undercurrent of the fervent anti-English brand of nationalism - highlighted by Nigel Farage on his ill-fated trip to Edinburgh - would ebb away if 'London' ceased to be the default blame depository. 

Scotland is already a country with limited devolved government, international sports teams, a separate legal system and a vibrant culture. It is true that more than 300 years of union has engrained a united history of toil and achievement and forged societal bonds. One only has to look at our record of fighting wars, building an empire, advancing science and democratic progress to see a proud record of standing together. I would venture though that Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians could equally have uttered such proud sentiments before their respective successions.

A proud sharing of culture and political independence are not mutually exclusive. One can rejoice in our common language and appreciation of Shakespeare while accepting that Scotland does have it’s own culture: From Burns suppers and poetry to Chewin the Fat and Only an Excuse on Hogmany. The sight of Scots in kilts at social gatherings is an enduring mark of identity that I’ve witnessed (and enjoyed) all over the world. There is something to being Scottish that is more wholesome than a mere subdivision of Britishness. Having British and Scottish cultural strands need not be a trade off. The best of British is and would continue to be imbued in a constantly evolving Scottish identity.

It may be true that social attitudes in Scotland regarding welfare and immigration are more similar to those in England than many in the Yes camp like to admit; but the electoral record shows an unequivocal chasm. Support for the Tories in Scotland verges on insignificant, yet a Tory Prime Minister represents Scotland on the International Stage while a Tory led government implements its often-unpopular agenda. For better or worse, Independence would put a permanent end to this anomaly.

Given the historic opportunity that Alex Salmond has achieved in holding a referendum, it is perhaps understandable why he has played safe by pledging to retain popular elements of the UK such as the monarchy. I would have preferred a more radical blueprint that really seizes the moment: A new country freed from the hereditary baggage of inequality and not afraid of tackling sensitive big questions such as euthanasia. With the polls narrowing, it is looking increasingly likely that the grey financial ‘what ifs’ are being eclipsed by the colour of everything else that it means to be an independent country. When I access the possibility of achieving the sort of society that I would like to live in, my gut instinct – at the moment – intimates that an Independent Scotland offers the more plausible route. As Angus Robertson said, no other country has regretted choosing self-determination.