[MadMitch]

Why do you think all of the politicians from Westminster are so keen to hang on to the Union if Scotland costs them money?

Scotland has only 8.3% of the UK’s population. 8.3%! Remember this important figure... 8.3%

But we DO have...

32% of the land area.
61% of the sea area.
90% of the fresh water.
65% of the natural gas production.
96.5% of the crude oil production.
47% of the open cast coal production
81% of the untapped coal reserves
62% of the timber production
46% of the total forest area
92% of the hydro electric production
40% of the wind wave and solar energy production
60% of the fish landings
30% of the beef herd
20% of the sheep herd
9% of the dairy herd
10% of the pig herd
15% if the cereal holdings
20% of the potato holdings
...obviously 100% of the Scotch Whisky industry.

We have a...
17 billion pound construction industry
13 billion food and drink industry
10 billion business services industry
9.3 billion chemical services industry
A 9.3 billion tourism industry
7 billion financial services industry
5 billion aeroservice industry
4.5 billion pound whisky exports industry
3.1 billion pound life sciences industry
Scotland still has 350 million pounds worth of textile exports

We have 25% of Europes wave and wind energy potential.

And finally we are blessed to have 1.5 trillion pound worth of oil and gas reserves.

All of this, yet only 8.3% of The UK’s population... Whaow Scotland should be rich!

[GeronL]

“cost them money”

Politicians aren’t spending their own money. Nothing “costs” a politician money. They are about power.

[GeronL]

I am sure it worked out well for Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Cuba and other countries.

“We should be rich” usually leads to nationalizations and that always leads to poverty.

Wind energy? When has that ever been profitable?

[cripplecreek]

Why do you think all of the politicians from Westminster are so keen to hang on to the Union if Scotland costs them money?

Speaking as an outsider, that's been a nagging question on my mind.

[jospehm20]

“Whaow Scotland should be rich!”
Let me know how that works out for you. With socialists like Salmond in charge I suspect it won’t.

[spetznaz]

Salient points. I have also wondered why they are so willing to keep Scotland in if it is so ‘worthless.’ If it costs the UK money then England, NI and Wales should be more than happy to get rid of the Scots.

[driftless2]

Certainly, Scotland can go it alone. But excellent resources mean little if the gov. doesn't know how or is unwilling to exploit them in the correct way. The worry of many people on this forum, as you might expect, is that indy Scotland will attempt to be a European Cuba.

I personally don't think that will happen, but the talk I hear from my in-laws in Scotland is a little disturbing. Many of the younger Scots believe wealth just happens. However, hopefully the Scots discover that it has to be worked for.

[what's up]

We have 25% of Europes wave and wind energy potential

Well, that kind of thinking won't make you prosperous in the long run. You may have resources, but greenie/socialist thinking means they won't be put to good use.

[vpintheak]

That does sound really good. Honestly it does. However, what about a Standing Army? Navy? Air Force?
There is a give and take. It’s all in the Lords hands.

[ctdonath2]

Interesting list.

90% of the fresh water.
65% of the natural gas production.
96.5% of the crude oil production.
92% of the hydro electric production.

Wow. Just...wow. 8.3% of population walks of with some 90% of water & power supplies?

Suffice to say: prepare for war.