Debating Scottish Independence

Scotland is about to vote on breaking away from the UK. Britain. We’ll look at the breakaway movement, in Scotland and beyond.

For 300 years, Scotland has been part of the United Kingdom.  Great Britain.  An integral part, with Scottish people and lore and culture at the heart of the meaning of the UK.  Next week, Scotland may be out.  A referendum next Thursday could cut the tie, with Scottish independence.  Just weeks ago, nobody thought it would pass.  Now it’s neck and neck.  This isn’t William Wallace and Braveheart.  It’s very contemporary.  But history and union are on the line now, and not only in Scotland.  This hour, On Point:  the 21^st century’s breakaway movement, in Scotland and beyond.
- Tom Ashbrook

Bill Jamieson, editor of Scott-Buzz, former executive editor of The Scotsman, member of the Advisory Board of Reform Scotland. (@Bill_Jamieson)

Adam Ramsay, senior campaigner for Yes Scotland, co-editor of Open Democracy. Author of "42 Reasons to Support Scottish Independence." (@adamramsay)

Peter Vale, professor of humanities at the University of Johannesburg. (@petervale1947)

BBC: Scottish independence: Vote 'will go to the wire' — "Campaigners in the battle for Scotland's future say the referendum result is too close to call with less than two weeks until the vote. The Yes camp claims to have the "big momentum" behind it, while opponents of independence insist they will win."

Newsweek: Could the Internet Lead to More Breakaway Republics? — "The independence movement in Scotland and elsewhere seems to be on to something about our hyper-networked age: Scale ain’t what it used to be. Technology can make a small country every bit as fruitful and globally competitive as any big one."

The Week: Pros and cons of Scottish independence: referendum countdown -- "As voters north of the border prepare to decide whether to strike off on their own or remain within the United Kingdom, we answer the key social, political and economic questions about what Scottish independence would entail – and the issues it would raise for the UK, Scotland, the EU and the wider world."