Joe :It appears that the electorate in Scotland is far more progressive than in England. That would ensure a progressive state in Scotland - but what would it do to what remains of Great Britain?

Joe, opinions differ.

If, as is relentlessly asserted by commentators opposed to independence, Scotland is a net drain upon the UK, then removing that sinkhole should improve the financial outlook for the remaining United Kingdom (rUK).

If the rUK is obliged by the newly-formed Scottish government to proceed with plans to remove nuclear weapons from the base(s) in Scotland, then there are concerns over the rUK's ability to find suitable alternative locations elsewhere, with the possibility that rUK may have to give up its nuclear capability. (I say "if" because many opponents of independence are convinced that Alex Salmond is bluffing in his assertion that nuclear missiles must go, and think he's using it only as a negotiating counter.)

From another perspective, many commentators argue that the healthy revenue/cashflow from oil in Scottish territorial waters is supporting/bolstering market confidence in the UK's borrowing, and that it could be a serious blow if that were to be lost.

There's an unknown aspect to this - and that's the psychological and political fallout in the rUK. It could reinforce the swing away from traditional political parties to fringe groups like UKIP (think Tea Party, but given to posing in English pubs with pints of beer). It could bring a resurgence in traditional parties - maybe reinvigorating Labour, who at the present seem to be floundering, with no clue how they differ from the Conservatives. Maybe it will make no difference at all.

I could not begin to predict it.