My point over The EU is that with trade funding any and every social welfare infrastructure, parochialism can never be the answer.

I for one don't want to see The UK, with or without Scotland, either hampered by trade tariffs or subjected to EU policies without the benefit of being part of it. And neither do the companies responsible for the tangible tax take.

The relevance of this for Scotland is quite important. Forgive me if I am wrong, but as Spain is adamant that Catalonia cannot do a similar trick to Scotland, they will veto, as is their right, any attempt by Scotland to join The EU. Meanwhile Germany has said any application from current sections would have to be on the basis of The Euro.

I genuinely understand that some people will vote yes because the no campaign is doom and gloom, but ignorance is no reason to create a dog's dinner. I admire many of the social aims of The SNP and applaud their stance on a fair society, especially this week's dismissal of bigotry. But misty eyed independence on terms they physically cannot deliver, I hope the Scottish electorate are more sophisticated than Salmond gives them credit for.

Between now and September, there is ample time to question in between rallying and sabre rattling. I'd start with his promises on Sterling, EU and defence myself.

But quite rightly, although I personally have much to lose or gain, I can't vote. I can give a view though. That view is we should keep The UK but devolve properly, including an England parliament. A Westminster function could be more of a federal responsibility, defence, Sterling, FCO etc.