Patriotism has many faces, and I am proud to live in The UK where tolerance of others and universal healthcare is still a given. Although that said, and mainly due, according to The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the recent independence uncertainty, over 10% of all consultant doctor posts remain vacant in Scotland.

That said, and whilst I could never vote for them anyway, The SNP and their / our first minister have reiterated that two main focuses drive their strategy.

Equality and business.

If they drop this silly independence that was emphatically rejected, the day to day policies could be ones that I could take an interest in. Patriotism goes beyond party politics I suppose, and yes, I can be proud of my adopted region of The Uk, Scotland. My husband and I are pleased that our vote helped thwart a piece of gross stupidity. Most of our neighbours seem to feel the same.

Mind you, the man the SNP sent door knocking here in Inveraray in the run up to the vote seemed a bit disturbed. I couldn't work out whether that was the party line or a personal issue...