The independance question is a difficult one, especially for socialists I think. Both the SSP and Solidarity call openly for the formation of an independant socialist Scotland, yet there are large numbers within such organisations that are against this. We have to realise, like any ethnic group or state, that Scotland has a right to self determination, just like Palestine, Chechnya, Quebec etc. However, understanding their right to this doesn't necessarily mean that it is a wise move to put into practice. By making an independant Scottish state we alienate the workers down south who we have a lot in common with, through trade union links, strieks, similar goals etc. Time and precious money for an independant capitalist Scotland would be spent on a separate Scottish army, renegotiation into the EU and NATO, and suchlike. An indepenndant socialist Scotland would either be a short-term success but end up a collosal failure (socialism in one country is entirely a manufacture of Stalininsm), or a failure from the start which cries out for capitalist neo-imperialist countries to invade it and reclaim it. Don't get me wrong, I would'nt shed a tear for the breakup of the British State, but some thing need to be taken into consideration! All that and Braveheart re-runs. Don't laugh, there would be.