A divided nation? No, Scots should be proud

FORMER British Prime Minister Harold Wilson claimed he was misquoted when he said "a week is a long time in politics."

Whether the quote was or wasn't accurate, makes little difference to the accuracy of the sentiment, nor it's resonance in post referendum Scotland.

The 55% / 45% margin of victory for the No Thanks campaign, brought comfort and discomfort in almost equal measure.

The margin of victory was decisive and could be regarded as comfortable.

The inclusiveness of the debate and the high turnout figures were also very comfortable.

The involvement of 16 and 17-year-old voters was a good idea, an enfranchisement with which, the vast majority felt comfortable.

The refusal of some, to graciously accept that the campaign for independence was over, at least for this generation, was uncomfortable.

Some of the tactics employed, the policies promised and the unruly behaviour witnessed, was also uncomfortable.

The last-minute dash to Scotland of the Westminster leaders, was inherently uncomfortable.

Yet, whilst such reflection is important, even useful, it is to the judgement of the overall process and the legacy that it leaves behind, that we must now turn our attention.

The Scottish independence referendum was regarded throughout the world as an overwhelming example of political democracy in action.

Voter turnout in some areas was as high as 90%.

As a nation, we can be proud that we have shown the world how to conduct inspiring, fair and democratic politics.

In the opinion of many, the referendum outcome has left behind a divided nation.

I do not agree. The clear majority of Scots voted No to independence.

Further and more extensive devolution of powers to Scotland, is a policy supported by the vast majority of Scots.

It is around that democratic reality and ambition, that all politicians, of all parties, both Westminster and Holyrood, must now unite.

Should the devolution of those powers not come to Scotland, then that is a matter for which we must hold our elected politicians responsible, for that is the mandate, which they have been given.

In my opinion, the next decade of British politics will see the development of a more federal UK.

Whether a federal UK will survive the 300+ years of its predecessor Union, will be a matter for history to judge.

In many ways, the landscape of Scottish politics, will probably never be the same. It is to be hoped that the nature of our politics, may become more consensual than combative.

In many facets of the referendum, the arguments crystallised choice, between self-government, and self-interest.

They should not be mutually exclusive. In building a One Scotland of real ambition for the future, the governance and interests of all Scots, must be capable of withstanding scrutiny and of unifying the importance of both together, rather than as alternatives to each other.

It is indeed true that a week is a long time in politics. But for me, the overriding emotion of this roller-coaster referendum, is that it has made me feel enormously proud to call myself Scottish

Comedian Billy Connolly has said if David Cameron fulfils his promises on Devolution, then we should be OK.

If not, he says that there will be hell to pay.

Something of a statement of the very obvious from a famous Scot who refused to give his opinion on independence before the vote.

He also articulated that the result was 50-50?

It wasn't Billy, it was 55-45.

Having sat firmly on the fence during the referendum proper, Mr Connolly should probably avoid any observations now.

He doesn't live in Scotland, he didn't have a vote, and as such, is in danger of looking a little like Sean Connery on the issue.

Glasgow comedian Kevin Bridges is very much in touch with issues of referendum and Scottish life.

Many believe that Bridges has long since overtaken Connolly as Glasgow's favourite comedian.

Notwithstanding his initials, comments like this, simply leave Billy Connolly, looking a bit well, BC.

A wonderful story hit the headlines this week when a Moose called Hercules, went missing twice from his home.

Hercules lives in the Pitcastle Estate in Perthshire.

However, when the wanderlust came upon him, he leapt fences and boundaries on several occasions in his quest for love.

It is rutting season for moose and like any other self-respecting male, Hercules is looking for a mate.

He clearly does not understand that his species has been extinct in Scotland for thousands of years, so his chances of finding love, are extremely slim.

He was eventually located some 30 miles away from home, near the A9, leaving around 470 miles before he could claim ownership, of a very popular Scottish song.

On reflection, Hercules may feel that his life is in a bit of a rut or that he was on the road to nowhere.

It may be that his freedom is very deer to him or perhaps when it comes to love, he's just very fawned.