Independence

Next week, the people of Scotland will vote on whether to become an independent country and separate from the United Kingdom. If you want to gauge how material a decision this could be, you only need to check the average cholesterol level of the citizens of the United Kingdom before and after a “Yes” vote.

Famous Scots have been vocally expressing their love of Scotland – Sean Connery from his home in the Mediterranean, Rod Stewart from his home in London, the list of proud Scots goes on.

Norris McWhirter (founder of the Guinness Book of Records – initially created by Guinness to settle arguments in pubs) was another proud Scot who lived in London. He tells a story of his grandmother who, on her deathbed, confessed that she had never heard the bagpipes. Bagpipes were summoned and a piper played “Scotland the Brave”.

She was asked what she thought. After a long pause: “Well, it’s a good thing there’s nae smell”.

This week’s tune is by Gerry Rafferty, proud Scot. About a street in London.