SYNCHRONICITY IN THE BORDERS (and other interesting thoughts)

Suggestions that Westminster might take "revenge" on Scotland in the event of a No vote in the referendum are very real, according to one of the leading architects of devolution.

Canon Kenyon Wright, who chaired the Scottish Constitutional Convention which laid the groundwork to set up the Scottish Parliament in 1999, has urged people to vote Yes.

The canon said independence is "the only way left open, to give Scotland power over her own affairs that is both complete and secure", describing promises of further powers from the unionist parties as looking "suspiciously like a rather desperate bribe".

Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives have all put forward their own proposals for further devolution in the event of a No vote.

Yes campaigners have questioned whether these will be delivered, and have claimed Scotland's budget could be cut in future years.

The retired Episcopalian clergyman said: " I believe the suggestions of revenge against the Scots emanating from Westminster are very real if there was a No vote on September 18.

"There will undoubtedly be cuts to the Barnett Formula, affecting the NHS in Scotland, social security, and that benefits will suffer - we've already had (Chancellor) George Osborne and his 'bedroom tax' - and I envisage devolution being undermined despite promises of more powers. Not that I believe that the devolved parliament will be abolished, but its powers will be diminished.

"Like many, I argued for a second question offering a middle way - which I saw not as devolution but as 'constitutionally secure autonomy within a reformed UK'. That door was slammed shut - but not by Scotland.

"Devolution is no longer enough; it's incomplete and even 'max' leaves key areas unguaranteed. So Messrs Cameron, Miliband and Clegg cannot be surprised if I now see independence as the only way left open, to give Scotland power over her own affairs that is both complete and secure. Their way offers neither."

He added: "The latest 'offer' of more powers from the unionist parties looks suspiciously like a rather desperate bribe - but it is not an answer to Scotland's needs."

The canon was speaking as he signed the independence declaration at Yes Scotland's headquarters in Glasgow, and ahead of an appearance in Edinburgh tomorrow.

He will be part of a panel at the launch of a new book, A Constitution For The Common Good by Dr Elliot Bulmer.

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I very nearly choked with laughter at the Rev's latest discovery.

I'm sure our readers in the Borders area of Scotland will not be surprised that Munguin and I fell about in spontaneous mirth when we read that so many people had been contacting the Conservatives (and so many of them Conservative officials) and asking their elected representatives, EXACTLY, word for word, the same questions... in the same order. And even more amazingly, regardless of which representative they asl,  they are given the word for word same answer. Is't that just awesome togetherness?

It is almost like there was some sort of concerted campaign going on... But obviously the Tories would never sink to anything so despicable, so it must just be good old co-incidence, or synchronicity, a bit like fish in a shoal, only not quite so pretty .

It is interesting too, that at least 3 locals have done an interview with papers, and would you ever believe it. The similarities in  the interviews of "Keith and Michelle" (wasn't their an actor singer by that name),  Alexander and Lavinia (very Tory) and Rachel and Billy (not so Tory) are amazing. In fact, more than amazing.  Not only is their motivation exactly the same, but they have chosen to express it in exactly the same words, with the same punctuation.

They are a close lot the Border Tories.

Any of our Borders based readers recognise them?

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Just a thought: What are you going to do down there in the south if the No side wins? There will be No Borders (which is the Sunday name of Nob Orders, that well known, grassroots millionaire Tory club). You'll have to go and live in the islands with John. Good luck with that!
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So... in an independent Scotland, Labour would be killed?
How so Labour. Can't stand on your own two feet?
Too wee? Too poor? Too stupid?