The Big Vote

Last week, Scotland voted on their independence from the United Kingdom. As a political science major, it has been especially exciting to studying, learn and experience firsthand the Scottish referendum for independence. The week’s prior to the vote were full of news and stories both for and against independence. This past week, the news only intensified up until the big vote on Friday night.  

Throughout my first month in Scotland, I noticed postage both for and against Scottish Independence. There were plenty of “YES” signs accompanied by plenty of “NO” signs.  From what I understand, the “Yes” campaign was for Scotland becoming an independent nation and developing their culture, economy and political structure on their own. There was a hope to thrive as an independent nation. On the opposite side, the “No” campaign seemed to recognize Scottish pride, but however place value on being united with Great Britain, Wales and Northern Ireland as the United Kingdom. A main phrase I kept hearing was “Proud to be Scottish. Proud to be united.” It is a phrase that both points to Scottish culture but also identifying the strength in being part of the United Kingdom. What I found interesting about this case for independence is both sides were for Scottish pride, it was just a matter of the significance they placed on being part of the United Kingdom. Both sides took pride in being Scottish and the value in being part of the United Kingdom had played in their past. The difference in opinions rested in how they believed these two companions should interact in the future.
The week leading up, the “yes” and “no” campaigning only intensified. The day before, my friend and I took a walk up Arthur’s Seat and passed by Parliament. Outside of Parliament there were tents set up for campaigns and news reports. As the weeks built up, people continued to decorate the city in posters and fliers as well as walking around promoting their views. The day of the vote, Edinburgh was full of enthusiasm for the vote.

The tent set up by Parliament the day of the vote.
 In the background you can see Arthur's Seat. What a wonderful
 and symbolic backdrop of Scotland for the big vote!

Posters like these were set up around the city
urging people to go out and vote!

Scotland’s independence would signify a split in one of the most well-known, enduring and powerful unions to date- The United Kingdom. Their independence would be represent a unique case where Scotland, a historically and strong country becomes independent from The United Kingdom, another prominent figure on the global arena. This is quite different from much of what we hear in news about independence based in developing countries. Today, many of the independence stories involve violence and conflict. However, that is not true in all cases. Independence can be the goal of countries from all shapes and sizes, who share a passion to thrive and celebrate their pride.

A man walking around Edinburgh the day of the
 referendum in support of staying part
 of the United Kingdom

The process of voting for independence in Scotland is particularly interesting. The voting age is 16 years old. Since in the states, the voting age is 18 years old, 16 years old seem relatively young. However, it is probably true that many of these young voters have studied the referendum and discussed varying points in their studies. Furthermore, if you are a visiting student for a year and have been in Scotland since September 2, you are also eligible to vote. I find this particularly interesting because someone who is studying in Scotland for a year can influence the future of the country beyond his or her stay. The process of voting is crucial to the referendum and may effect the outcome of the overall vote. I really enjoyed the varying contexts of my conversations regarding Scottish independence. The discussions took place in some of the most informal settings as my friend’s flat to time in the classroom. In every case, people were both willing to discuss their points of view, but also open to others opinions on the matter. From peers to professors, I was able to develop a better understanding of the Scottish independence from discussing with a wide range of individuals with differing views on the matter.

The British flag on top of Arthur's Seat the day of the referendum.

The day of the referendum was especially exciting. The streets were full of people handing out fliers for both “yes” and “no.” I was consistently asked “Have you voted yet?” to which I replied “I’m unable to,” being that I am only here for the semester. While I am unable to vote, individuals still gave me fliers, educated me on their point of view and were ready to answer any questions I might have. There was truly a feeling of an all-inclusive engagement on the matter and in a manner that was open and friendly to all points of views. This is especially unique for something as big as independence, but also very promising.

That night, we all met up to watch the votes being counted. We painted Scottish flags on our faces and headed to the pubs. There we kept tabs not only on the “yes” versus “no,” vote, but also on the percentage of those voting. While the votes were being cast, there was plenty of Scottish pride from both individuals for independence and those for staying with the United Kingdom. I saw the Scottish flag, but also The United Flag throughout Edinburgh. The vote was stayed pretty consistent ranging from “60%” to “40%” for yes versus no. Moreover, the percentage of people voting was extremely high at 80% in some areas and even 90% in others. Most presidential elections in the states are lucky to break 50%, so seeing such an important decision receive such high turnouts of voters shows a high the level of engagement. It appeared as if everyone was present, waiting to vote and watch the count.

My friends and I met up to watch the big vote. We paint our faces with the Scottish Flag and headed to a pub. We saw people decorated in all sorts of Scottish pride. 

The vote resulted in no independence and Scotland would remain part of The United Kingdom. Nonetheless, it was an exciting evening. Throughout the night, the vote remained relatively close until the vote was revealed at about 5:00 the following morning. I was impressed in how well people took to the outcome despite which side they voted for. It appeared as if everyone respected those who voted with their party or on the opposing side and eventually accepted the outcome. From what I heard there were almost no issues post the vote, except for a minor incident in Glasgow. For such a major event as independence, it was amazing to see such a positive attitude and support throughout the whole experience accompanied by little to no conflict.

After my friend and I walked up Arthur's Seat and passed by Parliament, we finished the day with a cappuccino and ginger cookie at one of my favorite places, The Black Medicine Coffee Shop! Here we talked about our day and the anticipation of the referendum.

While it would have been exciting to have been in Scotland the year they voted for independence, I feel fortunate to have been able to experience the weeks leading up to the referendum and thereafter. It is interesting to question what The United Kingdom would be if Scotland had voted yes for independence. How would Scotland react? What would Great Britain, Wales and Ireland do? How would the political, economical and culture structure be rearranged? These questions were those that were considered prior to independence, but would be evermore enticing to hear about had Scotland voted for independence. One day these hypothetical questions may become a reality , but for now exists only in the realm of political possibilities until the next referendum.

I am sure if independence passed the streets would have been full of people decorated in Scottish flags in celebration. While Scotland remains part of The United Kingdom, I feel as though there is a true sense of both pride for Scotland and The United Kingdom. Scottish nationality is celebrated, but so is bond with The United Kingdom. The sense of love, pride and joy for Scotland thrives throughout the country. This enthusiasm draws me to really enjoy my time here in Scotland.