On Thursday, September 18, nearly 85% of the Scottish population voted on whether or not Scotland would become an independent country. Just over half the population voted to reject independence, ensuring Scotland would remain a part of the United Kingdom. The vote inspired separatists in other countries to push for an independence vote, most notably the Catalonians in Spain. The referendum result may not have been the best thing for Scotland. Scots have a culture that is separate from those of other people, and their ideas are not always compatible with those of people from other countries. The government of the UK administrates the welfare of people in England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. Each of these groups has interests that do not necessarily cooperate with the interests of people in the other parts of the UK. If Scots were to have an independent government that represents only them, then Scots would have more say in what policies are enacted by their government.

The Kingdom of Scotland has been a separate entity from the Kingdom of England for roughly 850 years, from its foundation around the middle of the 9th century to 1707, when the Act of Union between the two countries was put in place. A single country comprised of Scotland and England has only existed for 307 years, a relatively short time by historical standards. For several thousand years before the Act of Union 1707, people in Scotland have fiercely defended their independence from foreign conquest, fending off the Romans, the Norse, and the English. Despite fighting bloody and violent wars against other conquerors, Scots have remained a separate people with a distinctive culture.

The most compelling argument for independence in Scotland is that independence means self-rule, a freedom that people in all cultures (especially Scotland) have fought and died for countless times since the concept of a country has existed. For many people, independence often came with challenges and burdens that have made the idea seem unappealing. However, independence comes with the ability to say whatever happens, it is as a result of crafting a history separate from that of any other nation. It allows Scots to vote for a government that more accurately represents the desires of the people of Scotland. That alone is enough to justify self-determination.

Opponents of Scottish independence do have valid points. Scotland’s economy has improved significantly under Great Britain. While England certainly controlled British affairs, Scotland became wealthy from the colonial ventures of the largest empire that has ever existed. The small country has prospered from British wealth, which makes the concept of removing Scotland from the UK unappealing to some. Independence means uncertainty about Scotland’s continuing prosperity. Still, uncertainty is not too large a price to pay for the freedom of self-rule. The future of an independent Scotland would be uncertain, but the Scottish people would have more choice in the direction of that future if they voted in favor if independence.

Scotland has a history of autonomy from other cultures. Its people often disagree with the policies of the UK government in London. People in Scotland deserve the right to self-rule because the Scots are not English, not Welsh, and not Irish. Scots are a distinct people, and an independent Scottish government would better represent the needs of the Scottish people. Scotland deserves independence from the United Kingdom because an independent Scotland would give Scots more control over their affairs.

Note: Alba Gu Bràth means “Scotland Forever” in Scots Gaelic