Essay --

Scotland is a country famous all over the world for its culture and warmth, In political terms Scotland isn't really on the map, however next year marks a huge event for Scotland as the people of Scotland are going to be put to the polls to decide if Scotland will become an independent country or stay within the UK. Scottish independence has been a topic for many years however now it may be a reality which would appease many people but also anger others. Scotland joined in a Union with England in 1707 after it essentially went bankrupt by attempting to colonize a part of Panama and name it 'Caledonia', it was unsuccessful due to poor planning and also weak leadership, this was a huge contributing factor towards Scotlands financial mess. Scotlands export was nothing compared to Englands at the time and was generally over shadowed by its powerful neighbour (Baynes, Thomas Spencer 1888). The two countries prior shared a monarch for over 100 years when King James VI of Scotland also became the King of England. They were numerous attempts prior to 1707 to join Scotland and England together, however in 1707 both countries appointed 31 commisioners to conduct the negotiations. Most of the Scottish commisioners favoured the union and similar with the English commisioners, however it is important to note that the tories were against it. Many people in Scotland felt betrayed at the time, and many also do today, they think that our dignity and nationality was wiped off us in exchange for money. Famous poet Robbie Burns was quoted saying 'We're bought and sold for English Gold, Such a Parcel of Rogues in a Nation'. With contrast to the above the English wanted a union with Scotland to ensure that Scotland would not choose a monarch differen... ... religion, however Marxists defend the right of 'oppressed' nations to self-determination, up to and including independence. On the question of Scottish independence, the Left in Scotland is similarly caught on two minds. There are those in the Labour Party and the Communist Party of Britain (CPB) who maintain that independence would disunite the British working class and only go to serve the interests of the bourgeoisie. However, others on the Left, most notably in the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) and the Communist Party of Scotland (CPS), believe that the breakup of the British state is a precondition for securing progressive, socialist change for the peoples these islands since it would open up opportunities for the Left, both in Scotland and south of the Border, to promote a radical political agenda that otherwise would remain excluded from mainstream politics.