Aye


The place of your birth, The place you were raised, The place of your heart.


Parliament, when the SNP gained a majority and an Independence Referendum became a reality.


I Any of us who choose to live in Scotland


even though not born here were invited to share in the possibility that this beautiful country could stand free again.


We New Scots are a varied bunch.


American, Canadian, Eastern European, Scandinavian, Indian, Muslim, Christian, Pagan – the list is extensive, and even includes the English!


Some of us came here to support the


dream before it was even contemplated as a reality. Many ‘English’ believe passionately in the cause of freedom for Scotland, because England itself is also disenfranchised.


You may have noticed I put the word


‘English’ in quotes. That’s because, until I crossed the border into Scotland, I had never thought of myself as English. I still don’t.


I was born in Lancashire and raised in


Liverpool (same place, redefined borders in the ’70s). I was a Scouser (that’s someone from Liverpool), a Lancashire Lass, from the North West Region (England was implied there but not said) and I was British. Never English. They’re the people further south – London and its satellite towns – not us Northerners.


We looked at Scotland with envy. Scotland


had a chance to be free. Before I moved here, I would flippantly


remark to Scottish friends ‘I think Scottish Independence is a great idea – but can we come with you, please?’ Moving Hadrian’s Wall to the edges of the Home Counties in SE England became a topic of conversation.


Since I’ve thrown my hat into the ring and


moved to Scotland, I’ve realised that many English, not just Northerners, share the same envy and wish Scotland every success.


Newcastle has already expressed an


interest in negotiating with the Independent Scottish Government with a view to setting up trade and commercial ventures linked with us. And why not? Westminster doesn’t care for them any more than they care for Scotland. Cumbria looks like it will follow suit.


The major conurbations of Yorkshire,


Lancashire & the rest of the north of England will be watching with interest. If they see an opportunity to improve their lot by association with Scotland, then they’ll be talking to us too.


160 And what is to stop the other regions


AM a New Scot. I’m proud of that title – given to me at the opening address of the latest Scottish


sitting up and taking notice? As we redefine commerce, trade and employment opportunities for Scotland and the North of England, why can’t the Midlands look to us?


The disenfranchised South-West, overrun with


rich second-homers and exclusive yacht club types, has little work that doesn’t require them to pander to the desires of Westminster supporters. They too will be waiting and making plans.


The Welsh, constantly linked to Westminster


under the ‘England and Wales’ banner will be working out how they can emulate our success.


Do you see now why Westminster is so afraid?


If Scotland goes, the country they happily manipulate will realise that there’s another way. The regions can take control and demand more recognition.


A fairer federal rUK (rest of UK) could emerge


like a phoenix from the ashes. And the puppeteers of Westminster will lose their power, their seats on various boards and their expenses.


That amount of power and income is difficult to


surrender. They don’t intend to go down without a fight.


Well, the place of my heart is Scotland. I’m


here to stay. I’m a New Scot – and I’m fighting back.


LINDA WRIGHT LEADHILLS


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