Im a fool alright. A fool for humouring your original post. I did say that I read The Independent so not really needing enlightening, even if you break your professional code and not bother charging me for doing so.

I am fully aware of Mr Whittam Smith's crusade. Just didn't want to miss the opportunity to have a laugh. Your armchair socialism can be amusing at times.

Ok, back to tartan matters.   I was out by 200 years and I promise to take a loaded gun into the ante room this very second.   

Regarding giving people choice. You will find that the reason the vote was allowed was more to do with the Westlothian problem and its effect on England rather than Cameron & co having any regard for the wishes of Scottish voters. After all, how many tory votes are there in Scotland.   

Interesting that contributers above waffle on about student fees etc when such things only got through due to Scottish MP votes. When Bonaparte mentioned perfidious Albion, he wasn't wrong. Give or take 400 miles or so.