I have watched every Scottish Independence debate, watched every TV news bulletin and read many column inches. I have witnessed the parade of English-based establishment artists pledge their allegiances to the ‘Better Together’ campaign. I have wondered why. Make no mistake, this is Scotland’s most important step in a lifetime and for its people a challenging decision that above all requires them to look ahead, to be creative, to be brave.

In more recent weeks the Against Independence campaign has sought to install fear into Scottish hearts and I’m sure that many have succumbed. But they are all missing the point; allowing the chance of a lifetime slip by - for them and their children and their children’s children.  The detractors have demanded many answers that cannot be given - it’s become a numbers game. But the campaign has missed the point completely. Sure, Scotland will gain while Britain will lose if the YES vote wins but how convincing can the against arguments be when they are put forward so stridently by two senior Labour politicos who brought the UK to its knees economically and cost the majority so much?

Scotland’s people have the chance to mould their own future, free of  Westminster inteference; to build a new creative, social and economic model that the rest of the world could look on with envy. The Against campaign is about losing, the Yes campaign is about gaining. As an Englishman I hope Scotland votes Yes and Britain treats the decision with the respect it deserves. I also hope that Britain’s establishment will help Scotland rather than fight it in th event of a Yes vote.

GOOD LUCK SCOTLAND