“So it was ok for America but not for Scotland.” Perfect comment from the article.
I don’t understand why conservatives would be against Scottish independence. If you are a conservative Anglophile then the lack of Scottish liberal voters will ensure that Labor will never win another election in England.
Second, some historical perspective... Many of the dire predictions about the economic impact of Scottish independence were also made about what would happen to the American Colonies. The Colonies were a net cost to England, much as people claim Scotland is today. When faced with the hardships of newly found independence American industry thrived. Scotland will have a period of adjustment but, over time, they will find away. Ireland got their independence from England in the early 20th century and faced a difficult adjustment period but eventually made the adjustment.