In the world of politics, a by-election in Glenrothes (Fife, north of Edinburgh) has seen the seat retained by the Labour party. It had been fiercely contested by the Scottish National Party, who is currently in government in Edinburgh.
The SNP are committed to gain independence for Scotland, an aim I find unrealistic for economic reasons. It should be born in mind though that independence comes in varying grades and shades. The greater problem is caused by the SNPs confrontational stance towards the UK government in London, who are still their paymasters to the tune of some £30bn a year. Their credibility is not exactly enhanced by a myopic focus on anything bearing the name Scotland.
Two examples surfaced in the last few years. In August last year, a statue was unveiled in Helmsdale (Sutherland, the far north of Scotland) for the evicted Highlander. He is shown proudly marching off for a new life in the New World with his family in tow. Mr Salmond, the SNP leader and current First Minister, lauded the achievements of Scots overseas which (in his mind) this statue was in commemoration of. In doing so, he glossed over the inexecrable way the residents of Strath Kildonan, Strathnaver, Skye and many corners of the Western Isles (to name but a few) were treated in the 18th and 19th century. Thousands of people were forcibly evicted from their land and packed off to America, Canada, Australia. It is of course good that they made great achievements - but why weren't they allowed to make them at home?
Second example dates back only a few weeks, when Halifax / Bank of Scotland (HBOS) fell foul of the credit crunch and announced a merger with the Lloyds / TSB Bank. Mr Salmond cried blue murder over the take-over of the Bank of Scotland - forgetting that this institution started life as the British (sic) Linen Bank.
I am surprised by your comments and their complete inaccuracy. The British Linen Bank was not the Bank of Scotland. In 1919 the British Linen Bank became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank. In 1969 Bank of Scotland finalised a deal with Barclays Bank resulting in the takeover of the British Linen Bank by Bank of Scotland. The merger was finally concluded on 1st March, 1971
ReplyDeletehe glossed over the inexecrable way the residents of Strath Kildonan, Strathnaver, Skye and many corners of the Western Isles (to name but a few) were treated in the 18th and 19th century. Thousands of people were forcibly evicted from their land and packed off to America, Canada, Australia.
ReplyDelete-----------------
Yes forceably evicted by English landowners.
The British Linen Bank (initially called the British Linen Company) was established by a Royal Charter from George II in 1746. The new company was empowered to "carry on the Linen Manufactory in all its branches" and was granted limited liability. The word 'British' in its title was a reflection of the suspicion aroused by all things Scottish after the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.
ReplyDeleteThe new company's first premises were in Halkerston's Wynd in Edinburgh. Its key promoters were the 3rd Duke of Argyll, Lord Milton, the Earl of Panmure and George Middleton, a London banker. Its initial nominal capital was £100,000 which was not increased until 1806, when it was raised to £200,000.