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Wings Over Scotland


The Scotland of the South 91

Posted on June 25, 2014 by

In 2009, nearing the end of my Masters degree in Scotland and with the UK recession in full swing, I decided to leave for New Zealand. I’ll admit that the decision was somewhat influenced by a breathtaking TV ad. Sweeping helicopter shots of stunning mountain ranges, photogenic youngsters frolicking on sunny beaches, and a thumping soundtrack. I still can’t listen to “Forever Young” without goosebumps.

nz

New Zealand is a country slightly larger than Great Britain with a population smaller than Scotland. Famed for its beautiful scenery, laid-back lifestyle and sporting achievements, this small and successful country where I still live, tucked away in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, provides an ideal argument for an independent Scotland.

Why? I’ll explain.

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    • agent x on The shifting sands of memory: “Ah so Scotland is responsible for the evil British Empire. “The British Empire, at its peak, encompassed a vast network…” May 22, 20:24
    • Anthem on The shifting sands of memory: “Fair point.” May 22, 20:18
    • Scot Finlayson on The shifting sands of memory: “The English needed our soldiers to win themselves an Empire, the Scottish Highlander was known to be the greatest fighting…” May 22, 20:06
    • Hatey McHateface on The shifting sands of memory: “Haud oan noo, Bob. The regulars on here don’t like “former states of the Soviet Union” “determining their own path”.…” May 22, 19:34
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    • Marie on The shifting sands of memory: “Yep – merely crumbs off the table – kept to placate elite Scots in the day and used to hoodwink…” May 22, 19:22
    • agent x on The shifting sands of memory: ““Did any of the above prevent the people of the Republic of Ireland determining their own path? I didn’t think…” May 22, 19:18
    • James Jones on Just a couple more shots: “‘In law, people are either male or female.’ Also in real life, in nature. You can choose to play-act like…” May 22, 19:04
    • Hatey McHateface on The shifting sands of memory: ““You have problems matey” Not as many or as serious as you have Barbie, if your post is anything to…” May 22, 19:03
    • robertkknight on The shifting sands of memory: “Did any of the above prevent the people of the Republic of Ireland determining their own path? I didn’t think…” May 22, 18:50
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    • James Cheyne on The shifting sands of memory: “Alf, Do you know if Salvo have copied the Statement by present Westminster parliament that a debate was held by…” May 22, 18:01
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    • agent x on The shifting sands of memory: “Can I just check something please? When Scotland decides to walk away from the Union on Monday morning will they…” May 22, 17:34
    • Northcode on The shifting sands of memory: ““It does matter how it came about” I do believe you are correct, James. But how the last three centuries…” May 22, 17:32
    • Aidan on The shifting sands of memory: “The hour is 17:04 and Geri has been on the Buckie (probably since 8am). Which despotic regime or famine-inflicted region…” May 22, 17:29
    • Geri on The shifting sands of memory: ““A response has been received which says “thank you for your submission, this is not a matter within our remit…” May 22, 17:04
    • James Cheyne on The shifting sands of memory: “Northcode. It does matter how it came about, due to the present monarch being the monarch of England and the…” May 22, 16:59
    • James Cheyne on The shifting sands of memory: “Except the Scots did not merge, or become part of Westminsters Great Britain because Westminster state there was no treaty…” May 22, 16:37
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