Shifte

I think the options are a little complicated. #2 is a bit weird, and the dependency one might benefit from being slightly reworded. Not meaning to be rude and I apologise if it comes across that way.

I'm not from Shetland, so don't treat this as more than biased, subjective opinion: I think Shetland would do better for itself attached to Scotland rather than the UK because of geography, history and politics. Free university education, no prescription charges and the like are benefits Shetland enjoys currently. 9 grand a year uni fees would be the name of the game if you remained as part of the UK, for example. I'm not informed enough to say whether Shetland could manage itself independently or not; really that's not for me to decide as someone not from the isles. I really like Shetland and hope it stays with Scotland, but it would be supreme arrogance and indeed hypocritical of me to do anything but respect the decision of the Shetlanders.

We have more chance of stopping war when we have a voice, Robert. At the very least we can avoid contributing to any war we disagree with - which I imagine would be most. I find the concept of a Northern European block pretty inspiring. Scandinavia, Scotland, Ireland and maybe the Baltics could look out for one another. The Scandinavians do a good job of it, I want some of that!

Thought you guys might enjoy the latest comic from one of my favourite web series: "Scandinavia and the Rest of the World." - it's written in english by a bloke from Scandinavia, who has become quite popular over there for personifying countries and their general attitudes or stereotypes quite well. http://satwcomic.com/new-nordic

Given that the SNP government seem determined the centralise everything (the latest example being police and fire) I find that hard to believe! Ahh but you make the mistake of assuming the SNP would be in command of post Independent Scotland in the form it is now. If Scotland became independent there would be a political shake up and all four parties would have to do some soul searching. F.ex there are a decent amount of pro-republic within the SNP, who might potentially splinter off post Independence. Not just that, but we'd need a new general election. I think if there was a demand for some regional autonomy for Shetland then I just believe Scotland, as a country, could relate to it. I certainly would have no problem with it at all. There is a lot Shetland could do if it wanted more local control. Scottish Crown Dependency, enhanced regional powers for the council or even a special advisor to the government. Whenever I've mentioned Shetland's unique perspective to friends of mine they have been generally as interested/supportive of it as I have. I realise that's just an anecdote, but I think it would be a common opinion.

As a no good Weegie who joined this forum to pose a few questions related to a project I did a while back, I thought I'd comment (oh, and I visited a couple weeks back): I'd hope Shetland would remain with Scotland because I think that Edinburgh would be more willing to give Shetland supported autonomy than London. When we go Independent (I tend to see it as an inevitability now) I believe we'll have a bit of a cultural rebirth, and Shetland is so unique and interesting that I am selfish and hope it remains with the rest of us! There has been talk of SCOTLAND applying to the Nordic Council before, if you can believe it. What would your thoughts be on Shetland being to Scotland what the Faroes is to Denmark?

Well I wish you all the best of luck in getting what you want out of any potential changes in the future. It seems to be the popular opinion and I'm sure it'll come up for discussion when the SNP make their attempts to split off from England. I wonder if Orcadians feel the same way, though they're probably more diluted since they're so close?

Varied replies! Begs the question as to how British you chaps feel Is that third? I'm planning to read more into the norse influences up north, thanks for all the help.

Aye, makes sense. Really I've just been quite ignorant of it all! I guess all the way down here I just made the assumption that there was a shared national identity, but that's oddly similar to the assumption I hate about folk who consider me English... live and learn! It makes me wonder what'd ever happen if Salmond somehow got his referendum through, unlikely as it is. Thanks for the links and I'll check up on them all, appreciate it

Hi there. I'm working on a project of sorts that involves quite a bit of Scottish medieval history. Upon reading some general books I decided I wanted to get a better understanding of the northern aspects of the country, especially the Isles, since they're so interesting and unique culturally and historically. Would anyone here be able to suggest a good source of medieval history for the Isles? I'd appreciate any help you can offer And as a brief aside; I've seen some debate around about how 'Scottish' people on the Isles feel. Perhaps ignorantly, being from Glasgow, I've always presumed people in the Highlands and above were the most 'Scottish' of us all because it's the nationalistic heart of the country. Without wanting to offence, cause an argument or potentially open a can of worms; would anyone here be willing to tell me a bit about people from Shetland and whether they identify with the same country (Scotland) that I do? Thanks for the help and sorry if I've been rude or presumptuous! - Shifte.