Being in my eighties and since the age off twelve, it has been my one lasting hope to live long enough too witness our proud nation regain the Independece that was removed so treacherously and cruelly without any consultation off our people. I fought during the last war firmly believing that ALL people should have the basic democratic right to decide what is good or bad for their own people. As Scots; we are unique in the sense, as a very small nation our people have played a major role in the shaping and advancing the future of mankind.

We still partially retain our wonderful culture which is treasured and desired by so many in different parts of the globe; when at the same time we now witness it being reduced daily by governments in Westminster dictating as to what is good or bad for our nation, irrespective as to the welfare off its people, socially or culturally.

In the near future; our people must make sure that the best opportunity for centuries is now available to regain the dignity and respect that were removed centuries ago without any consultation off our people and mut be grasped firmly until we succeed in re-establishing our national sovereignty as a free democratic nation.

Galicia is a CELTIC nation that is under policy power of Spain.

We are a Nation, what need a State configuration. We lost a great part of our territory under government or kingdom of Spain, and also in the period of republic neither gave to us freedom and progress. Spain think that this is the only situation for to die the love that people of Galicia are for the FREEDOM.

Saor Alba !!!! Viva Galiza !!!!

All Charles Allan has to do is support the petition for a referendum and we will find out whether there is support for independence or not, not through the loaded comments of those with mind sets one way or the other but by asking the people of Scotland.

If there are eleven people in a room, and ten of them live in England and one in Scotland, then with the best will in the world, whose interests shall prevail?

Spin Doctors aren't new. Perhaps they began when a serial killer was dubbed "Good Queen Bess", or perhaps even earlier with the phrase "Roman Britain".

It is the right way I think. I'm a German and in Germany Scotland is the dream of people. It is the vision of wide lands, hills, castles, stories. I think Scotland can connect these touristic dreams with the an economy of future. I belive there is the freedom of scotland again since 301 year. Scotland must get a important place in the society of nations like 400 years ago. Scotland could become independend - if all it wants.

I belive in you, Scotland. Alba gu bràth

I have no doubt in my mind that Scotland could be a more successful country if it wasn’t being dragged down by England.

What I am not convinced of is that it would be better as we would still have to have some form of legislature and that is where the uncertainty begins.

In the last century local government has been dominated by Labour and frankly has been appalling but the electorate have been blinded by “class-wars” and put up with poor performance by their representatives. The recent disclosures of financial irregularities within Holyrood are just a continuation of that “mind-set” and really make me wonder whether we would simply swap one bunch of self-interested bureaucrats for a slightly less ambitious bunch of similar characters.

The much quoted example of Ireland is a case in point where the executive seems to be as riddled with corruption as the UK if not more so.

On balance I want Independence but along with it governance that is open and transparent at every level. Politicians should be the servants of, not the masters of, the people.

Am at UN as part of an NGO delegation. Not only does most of Scotland not understand how we can be a nation but not grown up enough to control our finances the world agrees. I've lost count of the number of times I've tried to explain when our tax income is controlled by the UK parliament. The most common response is 'but we're federated and we pass money to central govt for national stuff like defence' 'are you notorious for overspending or like children and not responsible enough' I know what I think!!!

The issue of independence is essentially in Scotlands case less about politics and more about confidence and risk taking.Everybody in our great nation knows what the implications/pros and cons are by now so all that remains in my view is this - are we willing to step out from under the umbrella of the British/English ethos and take a chance with the reward being a prosperous vibrant (and for some most importantly "recognised") nation, or are we happy enough with our lot. For some the notion of years of uncertainty (and I firmly believe that will happen) and the chance of denting their immediate wealth/earning potential ect are the very worst thing they could imagine. I for one, despise these kinds of attitudes, I feel that they lack vision, not to mention balls.But I also truly believe that these people represent the majority of my nation.They are willing to trade independence and identity for personal stability.As a Scot living in the USA, I can tell you that most people I speak to think of Scotland as a part of England, much in the way José Manuel Lopes Eirexes (24/02/08)above states when talking about the situation in Galicia.Think how many people didnt know anything about Galicia and apply the same logic to Scotland and you will have an idea of how the world views us.

So to come back full circle, I feel that politics and political viewpoints really dont figure in this conundrum as we will only end up with the same players that exist in todays environment.

Look into your heart and if your heart allows it, go with the flow and lets go on a brilliant journey together. And we might qualify for a footy tournament!

Well, well it seems that internationally, decent folks in their comments above, are bemused at our inability to see the light and have the confidence to be a Nation Again. Like Walter Sharpe 23/02/08 I long for the day our proud country takes the responsibility for our own futures. That test can only come with Independence. Success in all we do will be judged not by being dependent on the hand-outs from others but on our proven ability to stand-up for ourselves. Propaganda is a powerful weapon.That very power has been ably used to convince many that we are too wee, too poor and too stupid to run a country the size of Scotland. How can it succeed, bereft of resources and the capability to compete in the global world? Poppycock! The myth has been shattered. Alas the awakening from the coma has taken too long to dawn on an unsuspecting populace. But those who decry the aim of Independence themselves have wakened up to the threat of the de-stabilizing of a Union that for them has been a focussed lucrative pot of wealth and privilege in the south of Great Britain. Such positions of power and glory will not be surrendered easily. That I see is the major battlefield for Independence. We must grasp the challenge and through our three democratic pillars of Scottish Law, Scottish Education and Scottish Religions be victorious. Even now they are under threat!

When Scotland is fully independent it will truly prosper. With all its oil and large fishing industry, it could have already been very wealthy like Norway. There would be a boom in an independent Scotland. It's heartening that most younger people particularly support full independence. They are finally realising Scotland could be as successful as Ireland is.