Editorial — Heart sides with Scotland’s ‘yes’ side but…

MONDAY MORNING EDITORIAL — Scots go to the polls Thursday to vote on independence, and the hearts of many around the world are with those in Scotland who want to become a “free” country, shedding political ties with the United Kingdom.

After all, we’ve all seen the movie Braveheart — probably several times, since it makes regular appearance on the movie channels — and may even have read some of the history of Scotland’s long struggle, including biographies of William Wallace, for independence.

How can we not cheer for a people who have spent most of history, going back hundreds of years, in this fight? Travel Scotland and you will see countless castles — most in ruins — built mainly for the purpose of fighting England.

This is the third time Scots have voted on independence, and this referendum probably has the best chance of success.

Scotland, without question, is a culture very different from England, though there are many iterations of it within Scotland itself. Scots have a different culture, economy, and political outlook. And certainly a different accent.

Yet, if one looks at this not from the heart but from the head, Scotland should probably stay with the U.K. Uncertainties abound in the scenario of an independent Scotland, just as they do with our own Quebec issue. Questions remain unanswered about currency, credit, the cost to the economy, investment, taxes, quality of life.

On the other hand, the UK, worried about the rising popularity of the independence movement, has been making last-minute promises to give Scotland more powers over taxation and welfare.

This may be a case of being Better Together — to use the “No” side phrase — and the best-case option for Scotland being a stronger voice in the whole than the part.