Decisons, decisions

How long ago it was that I thrilled to the concept of a 'Europe of the regions' and the underlying principle of subsidiarity. It was at a time when as a British subject I needed a residence permit in order to live in Paris.

I recall this now in full awareness of the importance of this year for the future of Scotland. And I think I know now how I would approach the responsibility of voting in the referendum were I to be entitled so to do.

Like so many I am conscious of conflicting beliefs. On the one hand I subscribe wholeheartedly to the notion of an authentic and precious Scottish identity. On the other hand I cringe when I hear the term nationalism being so indiscriminately employed.

Nationalism, as a political argument, is for me always tainted. Has it not almost always required the naming by its proponents of a counter-force, an opposition, even an enemy? Has it not often enough given rise to xenophobia, a distrust and even persecution of 'the other'? George Orwell spoke of nationalism as "power-hunger tempered by self-deception". 

Since Sir Walter Scott invented a history for Caledonia self-deception has been part of the narrative of the people north of the border..

So does this mean I would vote to  retain the Union? It's more complicated than that.

In the final run-up to the vote I would look very closely at the polls. My expectation is that even nine months from now there will be no prediction of a clear majority for independence. This would allow me to vote for independence and thus express a degree of patriotism.

But there would be canny calculation behind my vote. To  my mind the best outcome would be a result which is the closest imaginable call, with the Unionists winning by the tiniest of margins.

For then there would follow, I believe, an increased devolution of powers to Scotland... the devo-max scenario... which would give us enhanced autonomy, underlining separatism rather than nationalism. Would this not qualify the country to play a significant role in a neo-federalist 'Europe of the regions'?

What if my calculation turns out to be faulty, and a majority opts for independence? Well, then we'll have tae think again.