“how can one realistically expect the Scots to defy those crushing economic threats? The Swiss (and like small entities) at least had the benefit of geographic location in the center of Europe where people could carry cash etc. right into their vaults. Scotland OTOH? I strongly doubt a business model of defiance will work for them. Sadly.”
Perhaps you are correct - today.
I would add that the Swiss attained that position because they were outside the conflict in WWII. Money was stashed there by both sides. It was a different world.
Within just a few short years, the economy of the world will be redrawn. It will be a different world.
The western countries are largely failing with debt and giving world prominence to Asia. Their demands for information will be easier to ignore in the future. Defiance may again be possible in a redrawn world.
Scotland could easily stay out of full participation in the EU - as the nordic countries have done - and is isolated enough to become a neutral country, as Switzerland has done.
The big mistake commentators are making is the assumption that the world today will continue into the future. History testifies against that assumption. Doors will open as doors close. Currency will cease (largely) being physical and many countries will switch to electronic currency. The reserve currency will become a basket of other currencies. Borders will be redrawn. Countries will split again. I believe ours will also split eventually. Economies will be decimated and others arise.
This will again open up opportunities for countries like Scotland.
It will not be the world I grew up in during the 50s and 60s.
I reserve the right to be totally wrong :-)
There is, perhaps, some consolation (but no excuse for complacency) in the dictum that one does not die in the country one was born in. Or as Heraclitus stated more broadly, panta rhei.
Keep up the good fight.