HAVING recently returned from a post referendum visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, I feel I have been watching an episode of Dad’s Army.
While some are warning "we’re a’ doomed, captain” others are screaming “don’t panic!” while doing just that.
The referendum vote has sent the EU into a tailspin and it is clear Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage and their pals have no idea what they have started.
It may be cowardly that they have both left the decision making to others but as the next few years requires serious, thoughtful and sincere politicians it’s probably a good thing.
Read more: Brexit: MEPs warm to Scotland remaining in Europe
There is a vacancy for someone to take charge of a difficult situation.
Bar room bores and court jesters need not apply.
Many on the continent are bewildered and angry at the UK vote but Scotland has fared better in our European neighbours’ opinion.
The first person I encountered, in a shop in Strasbourg train station asked which language I spoke.
On my response “Anglais” she sighed and smiled sadly.
When I then said “je suis Eccosse” she nodded and the smile warmed a little.
Similarly politicians from various countries with differing political leanings in the parliament warmed to Nicola Sturgeon.
Conservatives, Socialists and Greens told me she has impressed.
There is recognition while others were busy dithering, resigning or sharpening their political knives to use on their friends, the First Minister acted.
MEPs told me SNP MEP Alyn Smith has been busy speaking to as many people as he can gathering support for Scotland somehow remaining in.
The issue is no-one knows what will happen in the future.
No-one knows what relationship the UK will have with the EU or indeed when the exit will actually be triggered.
Some suggested it could even be delayed until after the national elections in France and Germany with leaders there concerned that ongoing negotiations will impact negatively on their internal politics.
That would mean September next year before Article 50 is triggered and then a two year period taking us into late 2019 and after the next European Parliament elections.
Scotland however wouldn’t need to wait that long if it was independent by then.
The message from many was that the constitutional situation in Scotland would need to be resolved before anyone would even consider the possibility of membership.
Spain however could still be a big barrier.
The whole EU project has now been thrown into turmoil.
In the debating chamber Marine Le Penn was bullish, Ukip gloating and others, even pro EU politicians were warning of “change or die”.
What became clear from speaking to people it is the member states who decide.
MEPs will have a view and the parliament will express its opinion but it is the negotiations between leaders that are the most important.
Could there be a place for Scotland in the European corridors of powers?
The sense I got from speaking to people was the door to those corridors is not closed.
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