Today there are those who feel that Scotland is too small a country to ‘make it  alone’, and much too close geographically to England, to even think of attaining it’s own independence.
Yet one third of countries in the United Nations Organization have a much smaller land mass than Scotland, and with a smaller   population than Scotland has.  Still these countries continue to enjoy their own independence while keeping a good rapport with a powerful neighbour.

England has always been a powerful and often ruthless neighbour to Scotland. The two countries were at war for one thousand years, but in spite of tragic losses at times, coupled with poverty and famine, Scotland has constantly risen with pride from the ashes.
Scotland has still given - and continues to give, much to the world.

But can she govern herself? Scots seem to think so. London doesn't seem to agree.
But surely people in Edinburgh can better understand the needs and wants of those, for instance, in the highlands and islands, than the folk who are hundreds or more miles away in Whitehall, as well as being  light years away in lifestyle?

The Dream

If home rule were to come to Scotland, it would be a dream come true for thousands who have gone before us, as well as many people today.
The following extract from the "Declaration of Arbroath", written in the year 1320,  gives us a point to ponder, - even in today’s modern age.
"If our prince shall leave his principles   and consent that we or our kingdom be subjected to the King or people of England, we will immediately endeavour to expel him as our enemy and  a subverter of his own and our rights,  and make some other man who is well able to defend us our King, who will defend our liberties: 
"For so long as there shall be but 100 of us remain alive, never will we, under any condition be brought under  English rule. For it is in truth, not for glory, nor riches, neither is it for honours,  that we are fighting, but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself".

Can it be that we will see an independent Scotland sooner than we think?  Is Scotland ready for the change? Here at the “Banner”, we welcome readers views on this very topical subject, and will  happily  print letters we receive on your feelings regarding this matter. 
 

Sean
 

Last month we here in the North American office of the “Banner”, had a treat when my son Sean,  who manages our Australian office, came to visit  us.  It was great to go over our mutual ‘issues, ideas, and to realise,  yet again, that a world apart is not so difficult when the  ‘Banner’ helps bind us.  

Thank you for coming, Sean.  It was a joy.