If the Scots choose to go I don't see how the rest of us can prevent it. The idea that the rest of the UK should have a vote is unworkable for that reason. It would also raise the possibility of a real constitutional crisis if Scotland voted to remain and the rest of the UK voted from them to go. So it really has to be up to them. I think we are stronger together, but I can understand their reasons for wanting independence. If that's what they choose, good luck to them.

What I find totally unconvincing is Alex Salmond's insistence that if Scotland chooses to walk away he can dictate the terms on which it does so. He's promising things which aren't in his gift, and continues to do so even when he's been told otherwise. Of course there's a lot of posturing on both sides, but it seems very unclear what an Scotland's future might be in the real world outside Salmond's fantasies and whether it will actually have sufficient financial and political clout to be truly independent. I think there's a real possibility that Scotland could end up with nominal independence but less autonomy than it already has.