Stu I don't think an expression of an opinion is unwelcome but when statements are given as fact then of course they are there to be challenged. The simple fact is that the debate is largely not about history despite what some youtubers etc would lead you to believe. We all know that these forums are awash with trolls and eejits whatever subject is being discussed. It doesn't give a true persepctive of what the debate is really like.

One doesn't have to be in Scotland to follow the debate as of course technology gives everyone access to all the media if they wish to.

As to the year of the referendum Salmond said prior to the election that it would be in the second half of the term so there was always going to be a pretty good chance it would be in 2014. Had the Nats had a majority in their first term of gvt then we would have had it several years back. The idea that it has all been planned to coincide with Bannockburn doesn't wash with me at all. After all if it was to coincide with the anniversary then why have it late in the year way after said anniversary. And yes there are celebrations planned for said anniversary but do you think many people are that interested? Non-Scots seem to think the Scots are far more wrapped up in their history than most people here actually are! Another daft one is the idea that the rise in the SNP came about because of Braveheart! I know you haven't said that but it is often trotted out and is absolute nonsense. The fortunes of the SNP took a bit of a nosedive in the decade after the said film came out and as far as westminster goes they have never got anywhere close to their 1970s heyday since.